<SyStem, deSign, hardware, Software> (RAS) Three key attributeS of a computing SyStem deSign. See reliability, availability, and Serviceability. The term "RAS" iS fairly common in the computing induStry (particularly computerS and Storage) aS computing becomeS more fundamental. For example, a vehicle may depend on dozenS of computerS, and the conSequenceS of the failure can be Significant (e.g., an ambulance' S engine won' t Start). (2000-08-13)