Regardless of your database experience, Distributed and Multi-Database Systems provides the foundation and understanding necessary for proper design of databases for today's distributed and multi-database architectures. Introductory chapters help novices understand essential topics such as SQL, relational databases, transaction processing, and deadlock detection. Subsequent sections dealing with homogeneous, distributed databases, heterogenous multi-databases, and federated databases apply information discussed in earlier chapters enasbling readers to understand the complexities of distributed database design. Packed with over 200 illustrations, 50 equations, and two full chapters of examples, the book also includes discussions on objefct-oriented databases, which form an integral part of any database.