What is the meaning of scalability in computing?

Scalability in computing refers to the capability of a system to manage increased workload effectively. This means that as the demand for resources or performance grows — whether through added users, transactions, or data processing requirements — a scalable system can adapt to handle that load without significantly degrading performance. This is crucial for applications that may experience varying levels of demand over time, ensuring that they remain reliable and efficient.

Scalability can often be achieved through vertical scaling, which involves adding more power (like CPU or RAM) to an existing machine, or horizontal scaling, which involves adding more machines to the pool of resources. The ability to scale means that a system can grow to meet user needs and can be cost-effective by adjusting resources as needed.

This definition distinguishes scalability from the other concepts mentioned. For instance, the ability to innovate new software solutions, communicate with other networks, or optimize network performance, while important in computing contexts, do not directly define the concept of scalability. Scalability specifically focuses on how a system can expand and cope with increased demands without losing performance or efficiency.