What role does scalability play in systems architecture?

Scalability plays a crucial role in systems architecture by ensuring that the system can handle increased workload or growth without sacrificing performance or reliability. It involves designing systems to be flexible and adaptable, allowing them to scale up or down as needed to accommodate changes in demand or usage patterns. Scalability enables organizations to meet current and future needs effectively, supporting business growth and ensuring a positive user experience. Neglecting scalability can lead to performance issues, system downtime, and ultimately, customer dissatisfaction.