FMEA and BBN for robustness analysis in web-based applications

In this paper we present a general framework for conducting robustness analysis early in the development life cycle of web-based systems. This framework exploits the robustness failure modes and evaluates the impact of modifications that can be applied to reduce the severity of these failures. First, the system is systematically decomposed in its components using Jacobson’s analysis. Next, with Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) we identify all failure modes, causes and effects. Finally, by using Bayesian Belief Networks (BBNs) we model each subsystem and evaluate failure severities and possible improvements. A more complex model of the system can also be built up by integrating the subsystem models, giving a better understanding of the overall system behavior. We present a practical example and we discuss the benefits of applying this framework and BBN models to analyze the robustness of web-based systems.