Software Reliability Program Implementation Guide JA1003

In 1994, the SAE G-11 Reliability, Maintainability, Supportability and Logistics (RMSL) Division chartered a software committee, G-11SW, to create several software standards and guidance documents across the RMSL spectrum, including a software reliability program standard and implementation guidelines. The committee was formed as a cross section of international representatives from commercial industries and governments. The G-11SW committee has developed a standard (JA1002) and these implementation guidelines (JA1003) that are consistent with a SAE G-11 system level reliability program standard (JA1000) and guidelines (JA1000-1), augmented by necessary software-specific information. The G-11SW committee believes these documents reflect the best current commercial practices, and meet the objectives of the United States Department of Defense Acquisition Reform initiative and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Reliability Program. The JA1002 program standard is intended to be used by industries to address market demands for reliable software products that improve system productivity, time to market, and cost-effective implementation. The JA1003 guidelines address possible task activities, methods and techniques through which JA1002 can be implemented. As appropriate, governments and other organizations may also reference these documents. Software has been recognized by SAE G-11 as an important system component that is not adequately addressed at the system level. Software requires interpretation and variations on RMSL methods used by hardware. In particular, the distinction between hardware and software methods may be difficult to define with such products as programmable logic devices and Field Programmable Gate Arrays. This document provides a selection of methods and techniques to implement the simple concept of suppliercustomer- certification authority dialogue and partnership to define, meet, and demonstrate assurance of software product reliability requirements. JA1003 describes how to structure a Plan in terms of activities, tasks, and methods so as to achieve the requirements of JA1002 and provide demonstrated Case evidence of reliability achievement. Development of these guidelines has required dedication by a few participants and extended review by a wider audience of potential users over an extended period of time. The professionalism of all these individuals and the support they received from their companies, governments, and other organizations is gratefully acknowledged.