[sitkack]

Putting more intelligence in the data layer doesn't break the modularity of the system, it also doesn't obviate the need for middle layers. The biggest thing it does enforce is a semantically clean gateway to the underlying data store. Databases can do a whole lot declaratively in way that is correct by inspection. Six lines of stored procedure can save hundreds in the middle tier while allowing other tools to access the database directly, w/o forcing everyone through the middle tiers.