Bayesian testing strategies for software with an operational profile

We consider a software reliability model where the failure rate of each fau lt depends on the specific operation performed. The software is tested in a given sequence of test cases for fixed durations of time to collect data o n failure times. We present a Bayesian analysis of software failure data by treating the initial number of faults as a random variable. Our analysis r elies on the Markov Chain Monte Carlo methods and is used for developing op timal testing strategies in an adaptive manner. Two different models involv ing individual and common faults are analyzed. We illustrate an implementat ion of our approach by using some simulated failure data. (C) 2001 John Wil ey & Sons, Inc.