Recently, a new set of software development techniques has become available, collectively termed Aspect-Oriented Software Development (AOSD). This aims to support the modularization of systemic properties (also referred to as crosscutting concerns) and their subsequent composition with the other parts of a system.

Rashid focuses on the use of Aspect-Oriented Programming (AOP) techniques to modularize otherwise broadly scoped features in database systems, such as the evolution or the versioning model, to improve their customizability, extensibility and maintainability. He shows how the use of AOP can transform the way we develop, use and maintain database systems. He also discusses how database systems can support AOP by providing a means for the storage and retrieval of aspects.

"Aspect-Oriented Database Systems" shows the possible synergy between AOP and database systems, and is of particular interest to researchers, graduate students and software developers in database systems and applications.

Dr Awais Rashid is a lecturer at Computing Department, Lancaster University, UK where he teaches database technologies. His principal research interests are in object-oriented databases and aspect-oriented software development. He leads the Aspect-Oriented Databases initiative at Lancaster which introduces the principals of aspect-oriented development into database systems. He has given several invited seminars and tutorials at both national and international level on the topic of this book. He is serving on the program committees of several aspect-orientation related events including the International Aspect-Oriented Software Development Conference.