A data analysis and representation engine to support software reliability engineering

Abstract

The AT&T Advanced Software Construction Center (ASCC) has developed a system that provides a powerful implementation of software reliability engineering (SRE) measurement. The Data Analysis and Representation Engine (DARE) supports quantitative analysis from data definition and collection through to metric calculation, visualization and use. Data input is automated from several vendor software development tools, and a form-based interface assists in data collection from developers. A number of metrics related to SRE are calculated and a metric visualization interface provides access to the graphs and reports via World Wide Web (WWW) browsers. DARE also provides a facility for further data analysis and is integrated with the AT&T Silver Bullet software development processes. This paper describes the design and features of DARE and how it supports SRE.