The communication-centered architectures represent a new paradigm that subsumes the older storage-centered and computation-centered architectures. The main advantages of the new architectures are unlimited size and complexity, distributed ownership and control, and a higher level of reuse through components.This tutorial is intended to prepare the participant to meet the challenges of the era of distribution by giving a roadmap to the new technology. What changes are needed in personal competence, organization, and development processes in order to meet its challenges and reap its benefits? Architectural themes covered include 1) The connected society, a new system paradigm; 2) Separation of concern with role models, responsibilities and interfaces; 3) Powerful reuse with components; 4) The component developer - a new layer in the value chain