integrating independently useful systems into a larger system that delivers unique capabilities

Department of Defense U.S.A. [ACQ]

system of systems are large-scale integrated systems that are heterogeneous and independently operable on their own, but are networked together for a common goal.

Mittal, S.; Risco-Martin, J. L.; Cetinkaya, D.; Verbraeck, A. & Seck, M. D. Netcentric system of systems engineering with DEVS unified process [Taylorfancis]