Probabilities, real-time behaviour and continuous dynamics are the key ingredients of quantitative models enabling formal studies of non-functional properties such as dependability and performance. The Modest Toolset is based on networks of stochastic hybrid automata (SHA) as an overarching semantic foundation. Many existing automatabased formalisms are special cases of SHA. The toolset aims to facilitate reuse of modelling expertise via Modest, a high-level compositional modelling language; to allow reuse of existing models by providing import and export facilities for existing languages; and to permit reuse of existing tools by integrating them in a unified modelling and analysis environment.

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The formal analysis of critical systems is supported by a vast space of modelling formalisms and tools. The variety of incompatible formats and tools however poses a significant challenge to practical adoption as well as continued research. In this paper, we propose the Jani model format and tool interaction protocol. The format is a metamodel based on networks of communicating automata and has been designed for ease of implementation without sacrificing readability. The purpose of the protocol is to provide a stable and uniform interface between tools such as model checkers, transformers, and user interfaces. Jani uses the Json data format, inheriting its ease of use and inherent extensibility. Jani initially targets, but is not limited to, quantitative model checking. Several existing tools now support the verification of Jani models, and automatic converters from a diverse set of higher-level modelling languages have been implemented. The ultimate purpose of Jani is to simplify tool development, encourage research cooperation, and pave the way towards a future competition in quantitative model checking.

Markov decision processes are widely used for planning and verification in settings that combine controllable or adversarial choices with probabilistic behaviour. The standard analysis algorithm, value iteration, only provides lower bounds on infinite-horizon probabilities and rewards. Two "sound" variations, which also deliver an upper bound, have recently appeared. In this paper, we present a new sound approach that leverages value iteration's ability to usually deliver good lower bounds: we obtain a lower bound via standard value iteration, use the result to "guess" an upper bound, and prove the latter's correctness. We present this optimistic value iteration approach for computing reachability probabilities as well as expected rewards. It is easy to implement and performs well, as we show via an extensive experimental evaluation using our implementation within the mcsta model checker of the Modest Toolset.

This report presents the results of a friendly competition for formal verification and policy synthesis of stochastic models. The friendly competition took place as part of the workshop Applied Verification for Continuous and Hybrid Systems (ARCH) in 2018. In this first edition, we present five benchmarks with different levels of complexities and stochastic flavours. We make use of six different tools and frameworks (in alphabetical order): Barrier Certificates, FAUST2, FIRM-GDTL, Modest, SDCPN modelling & MC simulation and SReachTools; and attempt to solve instances of the five different benchmark problems. Through these benchmarks, we capture a snapshot on the current state-of the art tools and frameworks within the stochastic modelling domain. We also present the challenges encountered within this domain and highlight future plans which will push forward the development of more tools and methodologies for performing formal verification and optimal policy synthesis of stochastic processes.