[wds]

But why should it be web-based? Why would something else web-based 'beat' this based on that fact alone?

[webmaven]

> But why should it be web-based? Why would something else web-based 'beat' this based on that fact alone?

Software distribution and/or installation, presumably.

But these factors mostly apply to the consumer and prosumer market segments (hence, the web triggered the 'consumerization of IT'), rather than to the professional market.

[borisdalstein]

Playing devil's advocate, I'd argue that it does make development much faster, and portability much easier. This is important.

But otherwise I clearly agree with you. There's no reason why I would make it web-based in the first place.