Generation and Evaluation of Business Continuity Processes using Algebraic Graph Transformation and the mCRL2 Process Algebra

in Journal of Research & Practice in Information Technology (2011), 43(1), 65-86

Critical business processes can fail. Therefore, continuity processes are needed as back-up solutions. Today, those continuity processes are set up and maintained manually. They are mostly based on best ... [more ▼]

Critical business processes can fail. Therefore, continuity processes are needed as back-up solutions. Today, those continuity processes are set up and maintained manually. They are mostly based on best practices that focus on specific continuity scenarios, Nevertheless, failures can occur in new and unforeseen combinations. As a consequence, a given business continuity plan needs to handle such situations as well. For this purpose, we present a technique for the generation and validation of the universe of continuity processes given a critical business process at Credit Suisse. The presented approach uses a combination of formal methods in the area of algebraic graph transformation and process algebra encompassing modal logic. The overall approach prepares for a sound evaluation of the effectiveness and efficiency of such plans. It uses formal tools, not standard software engineering solutions, to benefit from formal guarantees that facilitate the implementation of local and global security requirements. [less ▲]