Many significant system extensions are hard to modularize. Consequently, their addition to a software system can jeopardize fundamental software engineering principles such as maintainability, understandability and evolvability. In order to better determine the efficacy of modern modularization techniques such as aspect-oriented programming (AOP) in the context of system extensions, we offer up a case study based on distribution. This work discusses how aspects can enhance extensibility of low-level system infrastructure software and be effectively integrated with existing software practices for introducing widespread change.