Software/hardware systems are considered which can be decomposed into a finite number
of modules. It is assumed that control of the system is transferred among the modules
according to a Markov process. Each module has an associated reliability which gives the
probability that the module will operate correctly when called and will transfer control
successfully when finished. The system will eventually either fail or complete its task
successfully and enter a terminal state. The reliability of the system is studied in terms of the …

A software/hardware system is considered that can be decomposed into a finite number of
modules. It is assumed that control of the system is transferred among the modules
according to a Markov process. Each module has an associated reliability that gives the
probability that the module will operate correctly when called and will transfer control
successfully when finished. The measure of reliability considered is the mean number of
transitions until failure, starting in a designated initial state. This measure of system reliability …