In a world where intelligence can be arguably measured by an animal?s ability to use tools, are we marking ourselves for natural selection? Software development tools are steadily becoming easier to use, but these same tools are becoming so "helpful" that they can actually do more harm than good. Tools are supposed to help evolve and adapt systems -- ironically however, they are often too rigid to be able to evolve and adapt themselves.

This study considers three key approaches that can be simultaneously employed within adaptive system infrastructure: patch files, preprocessor directives, and aspects. Their synergies and interoperability characteristics are outlined, and the design of what we believe to be necessary for integrated tool support is established based on evidence gathered from OS and VM infrastructure software. Interoperable System Infrastructure Support (ISIS) is proposed as a tool that can better evolve and adapt according to a system?s needs.