Optimum release time for software systems

Abstract

This paper deals with the problem of determining the optimum time when testing can stop and the system be considered ready for operational use. This decision, of course, depends on the model for the software failure phenomenon and the criterion used for evaluating system readiness. Using the non-homogeneous Poisson process model of Goel and Okumoto [4], two criteria are investigated, viz the software reliability and total expected cost. A simple cost model is developed and the optimum release policy, based on cost criterion, is derived. Numerical examples are used to illustrate the results.