Model-based verification of Web service compositions

TLDR

The paper proposes a model‑based approach to verify Web service compositions in service implementations. The approach compiles UML message‑sequence‑chart specifications into finite‑state process notation, translates implementations to the same notation, and performs trace‑equivalence verification, supported by tools for modeling and trace animation. Early design verification identifies differences, limitations, and undesirable traces, thereby easing implementation, testing, and deployment of Web service compositions.

Abstract

In this paper, we discuss a model-based approach to verifying Web service compositions for Web service implementations. The approach supports verification against specification models and assigns semantics to the behavior of implementation model so as to confirm expected results for both the designer and implementer. Specifications of the design are modeled in UML (Unified Modeling Language), in the form of message sequence charts (MSC), and mechanically compiled into the finite state process notation (FSP) to concisely describe and reason about the concurrent programs. Implementations are mechanically translated to FSP to allow a trace equivalence verification process to be performed. By providing early design verification, the implementation, testing, and deployment of Web service compositions can be eased through the understanding of the differences, limitations and undesirable traces allowed by the composition. The approach is supported by a suite of cooperating tools for specification, formal modeling and trace animation of the composition workflow.