A methodology for optimizing diversity approaches for imperfectly specified applications

In this paper a component-based approach for implementing n-version software systems is presented. For each of the system modules, a set of diversely developed module candidates is considered. We describe an optimization approach to further optimize system reliability by selecting the most adequate candidates while at the same time observing given system constraints. A heuristic search algorithm to find optimal system configurations is sketched. Several modifications of this algorithm are discussed. Simulation results concerning the outcome of these different approaches are presented.