What does throughput measure in a system?

Throughput is a crucial metric in systems analysis and design, as it quantifies the amount of work that a system can accomplish in a given time frame. This measurement is essential for understanding the efficiency and performance of a system, as it indicates how well the system processes data, performs tasks, or serves users. High throughput is generally desirable as it reflects the system's ability to handle tasks effectively and meet user demands within a specified period.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define throughput. The total number of users accessing the system pertains more to user capacity or load rather than the efficiency of processing work. The frequency of system updates relates to maintenance and version control, while the cost of operating the system focuses on financial aspects rather than performance metrics. Thus, identifying throughput as the amount of work performed within a given timeframe aligns perfectly with its technical definition and relevance in evaluating system performance.