Compositional performance modelling with the TIPPtool

Stochastic process algebras have been proposed as compositional specificati on formalisms for performance models. In this paper, we describe a tool whi ch aims at realising all beneficial aspects of compositional performance mo delling, the TIPPtool. It incorporates methods for compositional specificat ion as well as solution, based on state-of-the-art techniques, and wrapped in a user-friendly graphical front end. Apart from highlighting the general benefits of the tool, we also discuss some lessons learned during developm ent and application of the TIPPtool. A non-trivial model of a real life com munication system serves as a case study to illustrate benefits and limitat ions. (C)2000 Published by Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.