Of all currently available database systems, object-oriented database systems represent some of the most promising ways of meeting the demands of the most advanced applications, in those situations where conventional systems have proved inadequate. This book deals systematically with object-oriented systems and looks at their data models and languages, and their architecture.

A description is given of the models and languages of some specific systems, to put into context the various features which characterize an object-oriented data model.

The book is aimed both at university students reading computer or information sciences, engineering and mathematics and at researchers working in the field of databases. It is also directed towards those involved in databases and information systems in an industrial and applications context who are interested in being introduced to the various aspects of this new information technology.