HP, or Hewlett-Packard, is a pioneering American technology company widely recognized for its
substantial contributions to the electronics, computing, and printing industries. Founded in
1939 by Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, the company famously began in a small Palo Alto
garage, a site many consider the birthplace of Silicon Valley. Their first product, the HP 200A
audio oscillator, was a significant breakthrough in electronics testing equipment, and an early
customer was Walt Disney Studios, who used the device during the production of the classic
film "Fantasia."
Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, HP became a leader in test and measurement instruments,
setting the stage for future growth and innovation. The company continued to expand globally,
going public in 1957 and establishing international operations soon after. HP introduced
influential products, such as the 524A high-speed frequency counter and advancements in
oscilloscopes and voltmeters, earning a reputation for reliability and technological excellence.
HP was instrumental in the birth and evolution of modern computing. In the 1960s and 1970s,
the company launched ground-breaking products like the HP 9100A, considered one of the first
personal computers, and the world’s first handheld scientific calculator, the HP-35. By the
1980s, HP had cemented its status as a leader in computing by producing mainframes,
minicomputers, and the first HP personal computers. The 1984 introduction of the HP LaserJet
printer revolutionized office printing and became a standard in businesses around the world.
HP grew rapidly through innovation and acquisitions, notably acquiring Compaq in 2002, which
greatly expanded its PC and server business. The company continued to launch influential
products and services in computing, storage, networking, and imaging. In 2015, HP underwent a
historic split: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) focuses on enterprise products and services,
while HP Inc. handles PCs and printers.
With a legacy of technological firsts, a culture of innovation, and lasting global impact, HP is
recognized as one of the foundational companies of Silicon Valley and a trailblazer in making
advanced computing and printing accessible to businesses and consumers worldwide.
