The purpose of defining the system context includes:
To illustrate the system’s interfaces with external systems (B) - True
To clarify the area of responsibility of the software architect C - True
To represent the external systems (D) - True
To distinguish between infrastructure and application (E) - True
To distinguish between the hardware and software of a solution (F) - True
Defining the system context is a crucial step in software architecture as it helps to establish the boundaries and interactions of a system within its environment. Here’s a detailed explanation of the purposes:
To Illustrate the System’s Interfaces with External Systems (B): It is essential to understand how the system interacts with other systems, which can influence requirements and design1.
To Clarify the Area of Responsibility of the Software Architect ©: By defining the system context, the architect’s responsibilities regarding the system’s interactions and boundaries are made clear1.
To Represent the External Systems (D): The system context helps identify and represent all external entities that interact with the system, which is important for comprehensive design and analysis1.
To Distinguish Between Infrastructure and Application (E): Understanding the system context allows for a clear distinction between the infrastructure (the environment in which the application operates) and the application itself1.
To Distinguish Between the Hardware and Software of a Solution (F): The system context helps to differentiate between the hardware components and the software components of a system, which is vital for system integration and deployment1.
These aspects of the system context are fundamental for ensuring that the system is designed and developed to meet its intended goals and operate effectively within its designated environment.
References:
Smartpedia article on System Context1.
Visual Paradigm Blog on System Context Diagrams2.
microTOOL article on System Context3.
