What is a System of Systems? 

A System of Systems (SoS), or using microservices, is an architectural approach in which multiple subsystems are integrated to create a larger, more comprehensive system. 

Each individual system within the SoS may have its own capabilities and purposes, but when combined, they work together to achieve a higher-level objective that would be impossible or inefficient for any single system to accomplish alone.

The Role of Microservices in SoS

In the context of microservices, an SoS can consist of individual services that were developed independently but are utilized by other projects or products to meet specific requirements. This modular approach is particularly beneficial in complex projects where one system is employed by multiple projects as a service, leading to intricate interactions across the SoS.

Figure 1: System of systems interactions

Benefits of Independent Versioning in SoS

One of the significant advantages of employing an SoS approach is the ability to version each subsystem independently from the overall project. This allows for greater flexibility and modularity in managing complex systems. Each subsystem can follow its own versioning scheme and release cycle, enabling independent development, testing, and deployment.

This approach ensures that updates or changes to a specific subsystem do not disrupt the overall project or other subsystems. However, it's crucial to maintain clear cross-project references to prevent changes in one subsystem from adversely affecting others. Ketryx facilitates this through robust configuration management, documentation, and seamless communication between teams.

By embracing independent versioning within an SoS, organizations can streamline development processes, respond more quickly to changes or issues, and enhance overall system maintainability.

Figure 2: Reducing Complexity with System of Systems - Iterating software subsystems at different rates

Augmented Traceability

Ketryx provides enhanced traceability within an SoS by allowing users to view the entire system project within the Requirement Traceability Matrix module. Subsystem projects can be designed to meet their own specific requirements, enabling teams to focus on their respective features or products without being overwhelmed by a comprehensive traceability matrix that may be too complex for one team to manage. 

From the system project perspective, Ketryx offers comprehensive visibility into how changes in one subsystem impact others. This holistic view facilitates a better understanding of potential integration risks during deployment. By comprehending the interactions between subsystems, teams can predict how issues in one system might cascade or be mitigated by others. 

Discover how Ketryx's System of Systems (SoS) approach enhances microservices architecture, offering independent versioning, augmented traceability, and cross-project referencing for better system management. Book a demo.