US Patent 7877733 Failure test framework

A framework by which arbitrary routines may be executed in reaction to specific events for analysis and testing, while avoiding the need to manipulate the actual code being monitored. A method for performing functional failure testing of a software-based system comprises monitoring execution of target software for occurrence of a specified event, in response to detecting occurrence of the specified event, performing an action to cause or simulate a failure of the target software or of software or hardware that operatively interacts with the target software, and monitoring the target software for a response to the performed action.