Achieving various self-⋆ properties has been a grand challenge of computer science and engineering since the building of the first computer. The latest reincarnation of this challenge is due to the fact that large, complex and dynamic information systems have suddenly become a key part of the infrastructure of modern societies. Accordingly, it has become very important to be able to build, manage, and exploit these systems in the most efficient way possible. In other words, these systems have to become self-⋆.