Automated synthesis of dependable mediators for heterogeneous interoperable systems

• Method to automate the selection of a dependability mechanism to meet requirements.
• Dependability mechanisms that allow interoperability among heterogeneous devices.
• Method to find elements that must be enhanced to improve performance/dependability.
• Demonstration through a case study based on the GMES EU Programme.

Approaches to dependability and performance are challenged when systems are made up of networks of heterogeneous applications/devices, especially when operating in unpredictable open-world settings. The research community is tackling this problem and exploring means for enabling interoperability at the application level. The EU project Connect has developed a generic interoperability mechanism which relies on the on-the-fly synthesis of “Connectors”, that is software bridges that enable and adapt communication among heterogeneous devices. Dependability and Performance are relevant aspects of the system. In our previous work, we have identified generic dependability mechanisms for enhancing the dependability of Connectors. In this work, we introduce a set of generic strategies for automating the selection and application of an appropriate dependability mechanism. A case study based on a global monitoring system for environment and security (GMES) is used as a means for demonstrating the approach.