crashrated

CrashRated is a hypothetical framework for evaluating the resilience of computer systems and devices to crash events. It defines a standardized set of metrics and a tiered rating scale intended to communicate a system’s ability to contain, survive, and recover from crashes caused by software faults, power interruptions, or hardware malfunctions.

The framework targets embedded systems, automotive ECUs, mobile devices, and server software. It distinguishes three aspects: crash containment (limiting escalation), data integrity (avoiding corruption), and recovery performance (speed of restoration).

Testing combines fault injection, crash scenario emulation, and recoverability checks in controlled environments and field pilots. Metrics include mean time to recovery, data loss incidents per 1,000 crashes, and post-crash availability. Tests may use hardware-in-the-loop or software-in-the-loop approaches.

Scoring uses a tiered system such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum, or a 1–5 star scale. Criteria are weighted by risk and impact, with Platinum requiring strong containment, minimal data loss, and rapid recovery under varied conditions.

CrashRated originated in safety and reliability discussions in the late 2010s as a conceptual standard. It is not part of a widely adopted international standard, though several industry pilots have explored its test suites. Proponents cite clearer resilience communication; critics warn of potential gaming and cost.