Conjoint simulation-a technique for the combined performance and dependability analysis of large-scale computer systems

In this paper we propose an approach which seamlessly integrates two modeling techniques to facilitate the simulation and analysis of performance and dependability of large-scale parallel computer systems. The approach, called Conjoint Simulation, combines object-oriented, process-based simulation with Petri net modeling. The approach splits a system into a performance model and a dependability model. The models are developed independently but interact at run time to provide both performance and dependability metrics. This separation facilitates model representation, development, and maintenance.