The essential synthesis of problem frames and assurance cases

Problem frames and assurance cases are two current research areas that can improve – and have improved – system dependability, in critical and noncritical systems alike. While these two techniques are effective separately, their synthesis is much more powerful. This paper describes the synthesis of these two techniques and the rationale behind the synthesis, the particular pieces that influence each other, and the beginning of a process to integrate the two in software system development. A detailed example of the application of the synthesis is also provided.