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System of Systems and Evolution Cost

publish date: 2026/06/22 22:19:51.126376 UTC

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Why is software evolution particularly expensive when an individual software system is part of a broader system of systems?

Because systems of systems cannot be tested using normal release testing methods

Because changing one system may require other systems in its environment to also evolve to cope with that change

Because systems of systems always use more expensive programming languages

Because a system of systems requires twice as many developers as a standalone system

Correct Answer

Because changing one system may require other systems in its environment to also evolve to cope with that change

Explanation

When a system is part of a broader system of systems, you cannot just consider the changes to one system in isolation. Changing one system may mean other systems in its environment also have to evolve to cope with that change, multiplying the impact and cost of the original change.

Reference

Software Engineering, Ian Sommerville, 10th edition

Quizzes you can take where this question appears

Why Software Must Evolve