Patent ID: 6038517
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of dynamically assessing the market readiness of a product under development as represented by a current confidence level, the method comprising the steps of:(a) subjecting the product to a product reliability test;(b) accumulating a runtime for the product during the product reliability test;(c) accumulating a number of failures for the product during the product reliability test;(d) storing the accumulated runtime and number of failures on a computer;(e) at any time during the product reliability test and prior to the product meeting a predetermined reliability goal, generating with the computer a current confidence level from the accumulated runtime and number of failures, wherein the current confidence level is related to a quantified risk assessment of whether the product will ultimately meet the predetermined reliability goal thereby providing a data-driven determination of whether a product should be released prior to completion of the product reliability test; and(f) halting the product reliability test and releasing the product prior to completion of the product reliability test when indicated by the current confidence level.