Editing Scalability (section)

{{short description|Ability of a system to handle an increasing amount of work}}
{{Refimprove|date=March 2012}}
{{Complex systems}}

'''Scalability''' is the property of a system to handle a growing amount of work.  One definition for software systems<!-- by Andre Bondi --> specifies that this may be done by adding resources to the system.<ref>{{Cite conference|doi=10.1145/350391.350432|title=Characteristics of scalability and their impact on performance|conference=Proceedings of the second international workshop on Software and performance – WOSP '00|year=2000|last1=Bondi|first1=André B.|isbn=158113195X|page=195}}</ref> 

In an [[economics|economic]] context, a scalable [[business model]] implies that a company can increase sales given increased resources. For example, a package delivery system is scalable because more packages can be delivered by adding more delivery vehicles. However, if all packages had to first pass through a single warehouse for sorting, the system would not be as scalable, because one warehouse can handle only a limited number of packages.<ref>{{cite journal|doi=10.1145/121973.121975|title=What is scalability?|year=1990|last1=Hill|first1=Mark D.|journal=ACM SIGARCH Computer Architecture News|volume=18|issue=4|page=18|s2cid=1232925|url=https://minds.wisconsin.edu/bitstream/1793/9676/1/file_1.pdf}} and <br />{{cite conference|doi=10.1145/1134285.1134460|title=A framework for modelling and analysis of software systems scalability|conference=Proceedings of the 28th international conference on Software engineering – ICSE '06|year=2006|last1=Duboc|first1=Leticia|last2=Rosenblum|first2=David S.|last3=Wicks|first3=Tony|isbn=1595933751|page=949|url=http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/4990/1/4990.pdf}}</ref> 

In computing, scalability is a characteristic of computers, networks, [[algorithm]]s, [[Protocol (computing)|networking protocols]], [[Computer program|programs]] and applications. An example is a [[search engine]], which must support increasing numbers of users, and the number of topics it [[Web indexing|indexes]].<ref>{{cite book|url={{google books |plainurl=y |id=n4bUGAAACAAJ}}|title=E-commerce: Business, Technology, Society|first1=Kenneth Craig|last1=Laudon|first2=Carol Guercio|last2=Traver|publisher=Pearson Prentice Hall/Pearson Education|year=2008|isbn=9780136006459}}</ref> '''Webscale''' is a computer architectural approach that brings the capabilities of large-scale cloud computing companies into enterprise data centers.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.networkworld.com/article/3199205/why-web-scale-is-the-future.html|title=Why web-scale is the future|work=Network World |access-date=2017-06-01|date=2020-02-13|language=en-US}}</ref>

In [[distributed system|distributed systems]], there are several definitions according to the authors, some considering the concepts of scalability a sub-part of [[Elasticity (system resource)|elasticity]], others as being distinct. According to Marc Brooker: "a system is scalable in the range where [[marginal cost]] of additional workload is nearly constant." [[Serverless computing|Serverless]] technologies fit this definition but you need to consider total cost of ownership not just the infra cost. <ref>{{Cite book |title=Building Serverless Applications on Knative |publisher=O'Reilly Media |isbn=9781098142049}}</ref>

In mathematics, scalability mostly refers to [[closure (mathematics)|closure]] under [[scalar multiplication]].

In [[industrial engineering]] and manufacturing, scalability refers to the capacity of a process, system, or organization to handle a growing workload, adapt to increasing demands, and maintain operational efficiency. A scalable system can effectively manage increased production volumes, new product lines, or expanding markets without compromising quality or performance. In this context, scalability is a vital consideration for businesses aiming to meet customer expectations, remain competitive, and achieve sustainable growth. Factors influencing scalability include the flexibility of the production process, the adaptability of the workforce, and the integration of advanced technologies. By implementing scalable solutions, companies can optimize resource utilization, reduce costs, and streamline their operations. Scalability in industrial engineering and manufacturing enables businesses to respond to fluctuating market conditions, capitalize on emerging opportunities, and thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.{{cn|date=April 2023}}