Model-driven development provides the technology necessary to automate the creation of software using best practice patterns and models. For many years, it has been seen as a necessary development for the IT industry to speed up the development of complex systems, but early attempts achieved mixed success. In the meantime, IT systems have become more complex and there is a shortage of skilled software engineers. This presentation looks at why early attempts were not successful and how the development of industry standards, both in approach and technology have created an environment where model-driven development is coming into its own.