Modern information systems differ in essence from their predecessors. They support operations at multiple locations and different time zones, are distributed and network-based, and use multidimensional data analysis, data warehousing, knowledge discovery, knowledge management, mobile computing, and other modern information processing methods. This work considers fundamental issues of modern information systems. It discusses query processing, data quality, data mining, knowledge management, mobile computing, software engineering for information systems construction, and other topics. With more than 40 contributors, it is a source of information about the state-of-the art in the field of databases and information systems. It is intended for researchers, advanced students, and practitioners who are concerned with the development of advanced information systems.