What is system scalability?

System scalability refers to the capability of a system to handle growth in workload and users effectively. This means that as the demand for system resources increases—whether that involves more users accessing the system, larger volumes of data being processed, or heightened transaction loads—the system can be adjusted, enhanced, or expanded to meet those demands without compromising performance. Scalability is critical for ensuring that a system remains functional and efficient as the organization or its applications evolve.

A system that is scalable can accommodate increased usage by either upgrading hardware or redistributing workloads across additional resources, which helps in maintaining optimal performance levels. This is vital for businesses that anticipate growth, as it allows for a more flexible and cost-effective approach to resource management.

The other options, while relevant to systems in different contexts, do not accurately describe what scalability entails. Integrating new software, simplifying user interfaces, and ensuring network security relate to different aspects of system design and management but do not encompass the core idea of scalability, which is fundamentally about accommodating growth and increased demand.