Hewlett Packard

Overview

Hewlett-Packard was an American multinational technology company founded in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard in Palo Alto, California. It became one of the most influential companies in Silicon Valley, known for pioneering work in electronic test equipment, computing, and printing technologies. In 2015, Hewlett-Packard split into two separate publicly traded companies: HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE).

Technical Specifications

CategoryDetails
Founded1939
FoundersBill Hewlett, Dave Packard
Headquarters (1956)275 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California
Headquarters (1961)1501 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto, California
IndustryInformation Technology, Electronics
Key Products (historical)Test equipment, calculators, computers, printers, servers
Notable InnovationsHP 200A audio oscillator, HP-35 scientific calculator, LaserJet printers
Corporate Changes1999 spin-off (Agilent Technologies); 2014–2015 split (HP Inc. and HPE); 2014 spin-off (Keysight Technologies)
StatusOriginal entity dissolved after 2015 split

Description

Hewlett-Packard began in a small garage and grew into a global leader in electronics and computing. Early success came from precision electronic test instruments used by engineers and laboratories. The company later expanded into calculators, personal computers, printers, and enterprise systems.

A major restructuring began in 1999 when HP spun off its test and measurement, semiconductor, and chemical analysis businesses into Agilent Technologies. In 2014, Agilent further separated its electronic measurement business into Keysight Technologies, which continues HP’s legacy in test and measurement instruments.

HP developed a reputation for engineering excellence and a management philosophy known as “The HP Way,” which emphasized innovation, employee respect, and decentralized decision-making.

History

  • 1939: Company founded in Palo Alto; first product was the HP 200A audio oscillator.
  • 1940s–1950s: Growth in electronic test and measurement equipment.
  • 1956: Operations established at 275 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto.
  • 1961: Relocation/expansion to 1501 Page Mill Road, Palo Alto.
  • 1968: Introduction of the HP 9100A, an early desktop calculator.
  • 1972: Release of the HP-35, the first handheld scientific calculator.
  • 1980s–1990s: Expansion into personal computers, printers, and enterprise systems.
  • 1984: Launch of the LaserJet printer line.
  • 1999: Spin-off of Agilent Technologies, separating test/measurement and related businesses.
  • 2000s: Acquisition of Compaq (2002) expanded PC and server business.
  • 2014: Agilent spins off Keysight Technologies (electronic measurement business).
  • 2015: Hewlett-Packard splits into HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise.

Divisions

  • Dymec Division
  • Boonton Division
  • Harrison Labs Division
  • Sanborn Division
  • F. L. Moseley

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