Message from the performance and dependability symposium (PDS) program co-chairs

The International Performance and Dependability Symposium (PDS) has become a major track of the International Conference on System and Networks DSN-2004 for the third year. As in the previous issues, DSN-PDS 2004 offers a well-recognized forum for the presentation of performance and reliability research studies and experimentations. DSN-PDS 2004 continues a tradition of technical excellence in the form of a productive blend of contributions from industry and academia. A total of seven sessions are planned: six consisting of regular papers, one devoted to practical experience. In keeping with PDS's goals of bringing industry and academia together, the highlights of this year include sessions on measurement and benchmarking and sessions on performance and dependability techniques for computer systems and networks. A key factor in the strength of this year's program is the increase in the number of submissions. A total of 101 papers from 25 countries were received. From these submissions a total of 25 papers were accepted. Each regular paper was assigned five referees, three from the Program Committee and two outside reviewers, and each practical experience report was assigned three referees from the Program Committee. About 84% of the reviews were returned. The Program Committee meeting for the selection of the papers to be presented at the conference took place in mid February in Lisbon. Technical excellence and originality were the foremost criteria for selection, and the committee also tried to maintain the right balance between theory and practice.