This project focuses on innovative methods for design-time validation of DPSS software architectures and processes by conducting research on the following synergistic research activities: (1) Conceptual framework for performance analysis, which will apply Stochastic Reward Nets (SRNs)- based analytical/numerical techniques and simulation techniques for design-time performance analysis of DPSS system architectures. This activity will develop a theoretical framework to build configurable and composable performance analysis models of individual building blocks of middleware and their composition. (2) Model-driven generative technologies for whole-system performance analysis, which will eliminate error-prone and tedious ad hoc development of DPSS systems architectures and processes. (3) Aspect-oriented variability resolution, which will develop novel aspect-oriented modeling tools that help modularize the variability incurred by the configurable middleware building blocks. These tools will then weave in these artifacts into the existing performance models to specialize the blocks and their composition.
