Second ACM workshop on hot topics in software upgrades (HotSWUp 2009)

ABSTRACT

The goal of HotSWUp is to identify cutting-edge research ideas for implementing software upgrades. In the presence of modified user requirements, deployment environments, and bug fixes, actively-used software must be upgraded continuously to ensure its utility and safety. The upgrades incorporate changes to the structure, behavior, configuration, data, or topology of a computer system. Whether applied offline or directly to a live system, such upgrades may have a significant impact on the performance and reliability of the software. Indeed, recent studies and a large body of anecdotal evidence suggest that, in practice, upgrades are failure-prone and can lead to outages, data corruption or latent errors. These problems not only inconvenience end users - they create a significant burden for organizations due to the associated downtime and high administrative costs.

INDEX TERMS

Primary Classification:
  K. Computing Milieux
  K.6 MANAGEMENT OF COMPUTING AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
      K.6.3 Software Management

Additional Classification:
  C. Computer Systems Organization
  C.4 PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS
      Subjects: Reliability, availability, and serviceability

  D. Software
  D.2 SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
      D.2.7 Distribution, Maintenance, and Enhancement
  D.3 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
      D.3.3 Language Constructs and Features
  D.4 OPERATING SYSTEMS
      D.4.7 Organization and Design

General Terms:
Design, Languages, Measurement, Reliability, Verification

Keywords:
software upgrades