Abstract-Deployment of network/distributed systems sets high requirements for procedures, tools and approaches for the complex testing of these systems. This work provides a survey of testing activities with regard to these systems based on standards and actual practices for both software-based and distribution (network) aspects. On the basis of this survey, we determine formal testing procedures/processes which cover these aspects, but which are not contrary to both aspects. The next step, based on the analysis of the implementation phase of System Development Life Cycle, determines a formal model for these processes.

Fault tolerance is a key factor of industrial computing systems design. But in practical terms, these systems, like every commercial product, are under great financial constraints and they have to remain in operational state as long as possible due to their commercial attractiveness. This work provides an analysis of the instantaneous failure rate of these systems at the end of their life-time period. On the basis of this analysis, we determine the effect of a critical increase in the system failure rate and the basic condition of its existence. The next step determines the maintenance scheduling which can help to avoid this effect and to extend the system life-time in fault-tolerant mode.