This paper describes a formal method for specifying the observable (external) behavior of information systems using a process algebra and input-output traces. Its notation is mainly based on the entity concept, borrowed from the Jackson System Development method, and integrated with the requirements class diagram to represent data structures and associations. The specification process promotes modular and incremental description of the behavior of each entity through process abstraction, entity type patterns, and entity attribute function patterns. Valid system input traces result from the composition of entity traces by using parallel composition operations. The association between input traces and outputs through an input-output relation completes the specification process.

Abstract. This paper compares six model checkers (Alloy, cadp, fdr2, NuSMV, ProB, Spin) for the validation of information system specifications. The same case study (a library system) is specified using each model checker. Fifteen properties of various types are checked using temporal logics (CTL and LTL), first-order logic and failure-divergence (fdr2). Three characteristics are evaluated: ease of specifying information system i) behavior, ii) properties, and iii) the number of IS entity instances that can be checked. The paper then identifies the most suitable features required to validate information systems using a model checker.

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