The algebraic specification language LOTOS: an industrial experience

Abstract

The IS0 specification language LOTOS is presented, together with the results of a project involving the evaluation of its usefulness in an industrial environment. LOTOS is a mixture of concepts taken from CC’S and CSP, along with an algebraic abstract data type formalism. The language was used by Gandalf to develop a formal specification of an existing protocol, part of a distributed data PBX. The effort concentrated on the specification of two aspects of the protocol: the top level system architecture, and the call management phase. It is shown how the unique features of LOTOS were found to be useful for expressing these aspects. The results of the project were positive, and further use of LOTOS is planned within Gandalf.