Introduction
Hewlett Packard (HP) has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1939. Started in a small garage in Palo Alto, California by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, the company has grown into a multinational corporation with a presence in over 170 countries. This article will trace the evolution of HP, from its early days in the garage to its current position as a leader in the technology industry.
The Early Years: Innovation and Growth
When Hewlett and Packard founded their company, they had a clear vision for what they wanted to achieve. Their first product, the HP 200A Audio Oscillator, was a huge success and put the company on the map. They continued to innovate and develop new products, including calculators and computers. Throughout the 1950s and 60s, HP continued to grow, expanding into new markets and diversifying its product line. They introduced the first desktop computer, the HP 9100A, in 1968. This was followed by the HP 35, the world's first handheld scientific calculator, in 1972. These innovations helped cement HP's position as a leader in the technology industry.
The Challenge of Change: Mergers and Acquisitions
As the technology industry continued to evolve, HP faced new challenges. In the early 2000s, the company struggled to keep up with competitors like Dell and IBM. In an effort to regain its competitive edge, HP embarked on a series of mergers and acquisitions. In 2001, HP merged with Compaq, a move that many analysts viewed as risky. The merger proved to be a difficult transition, with tensions between the two companies running high. However, over time, the merger began to pay off, with HP gaining market share in the PC and server markets. In 2008, HP acquired Electronic Data Systems (EDS), a global technology services company. This move helped strengthen HP's position in the services market, and paved the way for future growth.
A Bold New Direction: Hewlett Packard Enterprise
In 2015, HP spun off its enterprise business, creating a new company called Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This move was designed to help HP focus on its core business of personal computers and printers, while allowing HPE to focus on enterprise-level hardware and services. Since its creation, HPE has continued to grow and innovate. The company has made strategic acquisitions, including the 2017 acquisition of SimpliVity, a provider of hyperconverged infrastructure solutions. HPE has also been a leader in the development of new technologies like edge computing and artificial intelligence.
Conclusion
Hewlett Packard has come a long way since its early days in the garage. From its first product, the HP 200A Audio Oscillator, to its current position as a leader in the technology industry, HP has shown a remarkable ability to evolve and adapt to changing market conditions. Today, the company is divided into two separate entities, each focused on its own unique market. It will be interesting to see where the future takes these two companies and how they continue to shape the technology industry.