Four of the biggest developer-related companies are supporting Web Services. Plus, they all agree that Web Services are important in future development. There is definitely consensus on the topic of Web Services. Companies are already beginning to deliver the tools to create Web Services. The big four above all have developer solutions on the way.
Stable standards are in place.
A few simple Web Services already exist. The underlying concepts are relatively simple. It is a relatively safe bet that that Web Services are more than just hype. It has been said that Web Services are as important to future development as the nail is to building. Next week you'll get learn specific details about Web Services and how they can be used.