In n-tier, distributed applications, we have to decide which logic deploy where. Those deployments are all about installing components in specific places but, what are components exactly? What distinguishes a component with respect of a mere class? ...

What is exactly software architecture? Do we really need it? Why have we only recently been discussing it? Is there suddenly a contagious fever about software architecture infecting those who claim to be architects? Who are they actually: gurus, just...