To address scalability, AspectIX introduces the notion of policy-enabled systems. Strategic decisions are mapped to policy rules and mechanisms which have to be strictly separated from each other.

A policy decision engine considers rules from object developers, application and domain administrator, and users to find a decision that has to be executed by the object. With allowing external entities to influence object-internal decisions in a controlled way, we gain administrative scalability. Additionally, the strict separation of policies and mechanisms supports reuse and facilitates maintenance and system management.