HTML, or hypertext mark-up language, is the code that determines how a website looks and functions.

It originated in the early 1990s but after years of stagnation it is the latest version, HTML5, that is attracting a lot of attention.

Many big businesses have already overhauled their websites but HTML5 is exciting for all kinds of businesses because it is much easier now to make a visually impressive website.

Ian Hardy reports from New York.

Special report: The Technology of Business