6 - Independent software verification and validation in practice: methodological and managerial aspects

Abstract

This chapter discusses independent verification and validation (IV&V) methodology. IV&V is a technical activity performed by a team independent of the developer, aimed to increase the reliability of the product and to provide visibility into the quality of the development process. To achieve high reliability, a primary goal of verification is to detect software development errors that occur throughout the life cycle and to ensure that each software product meets the objectives specified in the specification for such a product. Verification is a confidence-raising process. It implies increasing confidence in the belief that the software will operate as intended. The IV&V process in its most cost-effective form is carried out in parallel with the software development cycle, using a time-phased sequence of steps and techniques. For a given project, the extent of the IV&V effort is determined by a trade-off between confidence in the quality of the system and the cost of IV&V, that is, how much risk is acceptable.