What characterizes a System of Systems (SOS)?

A System of Systems (SOS) is characterized primarily by independently managed and/or operational systems. This key attribute is fundamental to understanding what differentiates a System of Systems from a singular or traditional system. In a System of Systems, each component system typically maintains its own management structure and operational capabilities, yet they interact and collaborate to achieve a greater collective goal that cannot be accomplished by the individual systems alone.

This independence allows for flexibility and resilience within the overall system, enabling individual components to evolve and change without compromising the entire system’s functionality. Each system may have its own purpose and lifecycle but contributes to a larger mission or outcome through their interoperability.

In contrast, systems characterized by hierarchically dependent elements, as seen in traditional systems, typically feature a more centralized structure where components rely heavily on each other and are managed under a unified control framework. A single operational system with multiple elements refers to scenarios where the components are more tightly integrated than in a System of Systems context. Lastly, a strictly linear arrangement of components suggests a sequence or pipeline structure, which does not encompass the complexity and autonomy associated with Systems of Systems. Thus, the independent nature of the systems is what distinctly defines the concept of a System of Systems.