QUEST-a tool for automated performance, dependability, and cost tradeoff support

The Quantitative Expert System Tool (QUEST) provides automated support for quantitative evaluation and tradeoff analysis of complex computer system designs. Three basic components are provided. The design capture component is based on an information model that incorporates performance, dependability, and cost considerations within a single, integrated representation. The quantitative modeling and analysis component provides a suite of mathematical modeling capabilities that calculate a range of performance, dependability, and cost metrics relative to candidate designs. The knowledge-based tradeoff support component interprets design information and modeling results to assess system compliance with requirements, identify design problems contributing to non-compliance, and recommend design alternatives that will bring designs into compliance with all system requirements.