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Using a formal specification contractually

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Formal Aspects of Computing

Abstract

A commonly made criticism of formal methods is that they increase costs. Selective use of formal methods to define critical requirements can, however, lead to a significant decrease in lifecycle costs. In particular the economic and technical benefits of outsourcing the development of software can be fully realized and the cost of outsourcing slightly reduced by use of a formal specification. In this paper we describe a development in which a formal specification prepared by the customer formed part of the contract with the supplier. We conclude that this use of a formal specification can reduce risks and costs for all concerned and can help foster fruitful and co-operative relations in situations which are often fraught with confrontation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. DERA Malvern, WR14 3PS, Worcestershire, UK

    C. O'Halloran

  2. LEMMA1, Twyford, Berks, UK

    R. Arthan

  3. Hoskyns Group plc, London, UK

    D. King

Authors
  1. C. O'Halloran
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  2. R. Arthan
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  3. D. King
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. O'Halloran.

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Published with the permission of the controller of Her Britannic Majesty's Stationery Office.

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O'Halloran, C., Arthan, R. & King, D. Using a formal specification contractually. Formal Aspects of Computing 9, 349–358 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01211295

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01211295

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