Advances and challenges of probabilistic model checking

Probabilistic model checking is a powerful technique for formally verifying quantitative properties of systems that exhibit stochastic behaviour. Such systems are found in many domains: probabilistic behaviour may arise, for example, due to failures of unreliable components, communication across lossy media, or through the use of randomisation in distributed protocols. In this paper, we give a short overview of probabilistic model checking and of PRISM (www.prismmodelchecker.org), currently the leading software tool in this area. We then mention some of the limitations of these techniques, describe some of the advances that are being made to overcome them, and outline key challenges that remain in this research area.