HTML is becoming the basis for the exchange of information within some organizations. Cross-platform browsers and scripting languages solve many compatibility problems. Web tools and servers are relatively inexpensive. Today, you can assume that if you come up with a good idea, at least four or five other bright people have the same idea at the same time. It requires the development of new skills and new ways of thinking.
New technologies start by imitating old ones.
Guttenberg's printing with movable type started by imitating the handlettering of the monasteries. TV started by broadcasting what, essentially, were radio programs. Applications on the Web have started by imitating printing. No one knows where we are going or how quickly we will get there. That's part of what makes it interesting.