Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems

SEI Report
This monograph provides an overview of a method for isolating and overcoming faults in COTS-based systems.
Publisher

Software Engineering Institute

Topic or Tag

Abstract

This monograph provides an overview of a method for isolating and overcoming faults in COTS-based systems. It provides a method and mechanisms that are useful for engineers and integrators who are tasked with assembling complex systems from heterogeneous sources. While other readers may find value in this report, it is specifically written for a technical audience. The method described in this monograph has been used on various systems. One such use is described in the SEI monograph Case Study: Correcting System Failure in a  COTS Information System.

Cite This SEI Report

Carney, D., & Hissam, S. (1998, February 1). Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems. Retrieved August 8, 2026, from https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/.

@techreport{carney_1998,
author={Carney, David and Hissam, Scott},
title={Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems},
month={Feb},
year={1998},
institution={Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University},
url={https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/},
note={Accessed: 2026-Aug-8}
}

Carney, David, and Scott Hissam. "Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, February 1, 1998. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/.

D. Carney, and S. Hissam, "Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems," Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University. Software Engineering Institute, 1-Feb-1998 [Online]. Available: https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/. [Accessed: 8-Aug-2026].

Carney, David, and Scott Hissam. "Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems." Software Engineering Institute, Carnegie Mellon University, Software Engineering Institute, 1 Feb. 1998. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

Carney, David; & Hissam, Scott. Isolating Faults in Complex COTS-Based Systems. Software Engineering Institute. 1998. https://www.sei.cmu.edu/library/isolating-faults-in-complex-cots-based-systems/