This tutorial presents the new challenges brought by the advent of object oriented technologies into the realm of secure systems. For a long time, OOP was deemed too dynamic a model for highly secure systems, although DO178B in itself does not preclude the use of any technology. The FAA sponsored OOTiA (Object-Oriented Technology in Aviation), a handbook intended to identify and address these issues. This handbook is a major input for the upcoming revision of DO178B (DO178C).

The tutorial provides an overview of standards for secure systems (DO178B in airborne systems, EN5018 for railway systems). Based on the extensive work of the OOTiA, it explains the issues of object oriented technologies in secure systems, and how such technologies can be used while ensuring the high degree of control, review, and testing mandated by these systems. Finally, it shows how Ada's object oriented model differs from the traditional model, and brings better solutions for introducing OOP to secure systems.

This tutorial is intended for those involved in high security systems that want to assess the possibility of using OO techniques in this context. Regular familiarity with the Ada language, and especially Ada’s OO model is the only prerequisite.

Presenter

Jean Pierre Rosen is a professional Ada trainer and consultant, teaching Ada (since 1979, it was preliminary Ada!), methods, and software engineering. He runs Adalog, a company specialized in providing training, consultancy, and services in all areas connected to the Ada language and software engineering.

Jean Pierre is chairman of AFNOR's (French standardization body) Ada group, AFNOR's spokeperson at WG9, member of the Vulnerabilities group of WG9, and chairman of Ada-France. He is a consultant for companies involved in secure systems, like Ansaldo for Railway systems and Thales Avionics for Airborne/OO systems.

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