Software Architect's Handbook

Subsystem

Subsystems are logical groupings of elements that make up a larger system. The subsystems can be created in a variety of ways, including partitioning a system by functionality.

Although they do not have to be, subsystems can represent standalone software applications. An overall software system may be composed of multiple subsystems, and any number of them might be a standalone application. These standalone applications can be external applications that were not developed by the organization.

Organizing a larger software system into subsystems lowers complexity, and allows for software development to be better managed. In some cases, one or more development teams may be formed for each subsystem. Each subsystem is made up of one ...