Applications of software reliability measurement to instruments and calculators

Software reliability growth models have been applied to several projects at two divisions of the Hewlett-Packard Corporation. The primary model used is the basic execution time model described by J.D. Musa et al. (1987). The model has been used to: predict software quality assurance duration prior to the beginning of testing; provide updated estimates of product reliability and projected release date; estimate software reliability at the completion of testing; and predict the customer´s software product reliability experience after release. Model implementation and performance are discussed. Difficulties in the application of the model and suggested strategies for overcoming these difficulties are described.<>