Formal Methods for the Development and Verification of Autonomic IT Systems

This chapter explores ways in which rigorous mathematical techniques termed formal methods can be employed to improve the predictability and dependability of autonomic computing. Model checking, formal specification and quantitative verification are presented in the contexts of conflict detection in autonomic computing policies, and of implementation of goal and utilityfunction policies in autonomic IT systems, respectively. Each of these techniques is illustrated using a detailed case study, and analysed to establish its merits and limitations. The analysis is then used as a basis for discussing the challenges and opportunities of this endeavour to transition the development of autonomic IT systems from the current practice of using ad-hoc methods and heuristic towards a more principled approach.