  dependency strength
The model also distinguishes among several degrees of dependency.
On the depender side, a strong dependency means the depender is more vulnerable, and is likely to take stronger measures to mitigate vulnerability.
On the dependee side, a stronger dependency implies that the dependee will make a greater effort in trying to deliver the dependum.
The model provides for three degrees of strength: Open (uncommited), Commited, and Critical.
These apply independently on each side of a depenencey. (pp15-16)
» See also: degrees of dependency vulnerability
 Open dependency
In an Open Dependency, a depender would like to have the dependum goal achieved, task performed, or resource available, so that it could be used in some course of action [routine].
Failure to obtain the dependum would affect the depender's goals to some extend, but the consequences are not serious.
On the dependee side, an open dependency is a claim by the dependee that it is able to achieve the dependum for some depender. (p16)
Commited dependency
In a Commited Dependency, the depender has goals which would be significanlty affected - in that some planned course of action would fail - if the dependum is not achieved.
The depender might have invested considerably in a course of action which could not be reveresed without loss.
Because of its vulnerability, a commited depender would be concerned about the viability of the dependency.
On the dependee side, a commited dependency means that the dependee will try its best to deliver the dependum, e.g., by making sure that its own dependencies are viable. (p16)
Critical dependency
In a Critical Dependency, the depender has goals which would be seriously affected - in that all known course of actions would fail - if the dependum is not achieved.
In this case, we assume that the depender would be concerned not only about the viability of this immediate dependency, but also about the viability of the dependees' dependencies, and the dpendees' dependees' dependencies, and so forth. (p16)
| 
