A wide range of modern computer applications require the performance and flexibility of parallel and distributed systems. Better software support is required if the technical advances in these systems are to be fully exploited by commerce and industry. This involves the provision of specialised techniques and tools as well as the integration of standard software engineering methods. This book will reflect current advances in this area, and will address issues of theory and practice with contributions from academia and industry. It is the aim of the book to provide a focus for information on this developing which will be of use to both researchers and practitioners.