Hewlett-Packard (HP)

Definition

Hewlett-Packard (HP): Hewlett-Packard (commonly referred to as HP) is an American multinational information technology company headquartered in Palo Alto, California. Hp was established in 1939 by Bill Hewlett and David Packard, and it has grown to become one of the world’s leading manufacturers of personal computers, printers, and other computing devices.

History and Key Milestones

Founding (1939): HP was founded in a garage in Palo Alto, which is now considered the birthplace of Silicon Valley.
Spinoff (1999): HP split off its electronic test equipment division to form Agilent Technologies.
Compaq Acquisition (2002): HP acquired Compaq Computer Corporation, significantly boosting its market presence.
EDS Acquisition (2008): HP purchased Electronic Data Systems (EDS), expanding its services and consulting business.

Examples of HP Products

HP Pavilion Series: A widely popular series of consumer-grade laptops and desktops.
HP LaserJet Printers: Known for their reliability and advanced printing technology.
HP Envy Series: High-performance laptops aimed at creative professionals.
The HP Spectre x360: A premium convertible laptop known for its design and performance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What types of products does HP manufacture?

HP manufactures a wide range of products including personal computers (PCs), laptops, printers, monitors, and other peripheral devices.

Is HP still headquartered in Palo Alto, California?

While HP originated in Palo Alto, the company has since undergone several changes, including significant corporate restructuring that has altered its primary headquarters location.

What is the significance of the Compaq acquisition?

The acquisition of Compaq in 2002 was significant as it made HP the largest global supplier of personal computers, surpassing its main competitor, Dell.

How did the spinoff of Agilent Technologies affect HP?

The spinoff allowed HP to focus more intently on its computing and printing business while enabling Agilent Technologies to concentrate on electronic test equipment and technology.

Are HP and Hewlett Packard Enterprise the same company?

No, HP Inc. focuses on PCs and printers, while Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) deals with servers, storage, networking, and other enterprise solutions. They split into two separate companies in 2015.

Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies: Initially part of HP, but spun off in 1999 to focus on electronic test equipment and laboratory instruments.

Compaq

Compaq: An American personal computer company founded in 1982 that was acquired by HP in 2002.

Electronic Data Systems (EDS)

EDS: A global business and technology services company acquired by HP in 2008 to enhance its IT services offerings.

Silicon Valley

Silicon Valley: A region in the southern part of the San Francisco Bay Area, known as a global center for high technology and innovation where HP was founded.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Bill & Dave: How Hewlett and Packard Built the World’s Greatest Company” by Michael S. Malone
“The HP Way: How Bill Hewlett and I Built Our Company” by David Packard
“In the Company of Giants: Candid Conversations with the Visionaries of the Digital World” by Rama Dev Jager and Rafael Ortiz

Fundamentals of Hewlett-Packard (HP): Business Studies Basics Quiz

### Who were the founders of Hewlett-Packard? - [x] Bill Hewlett and David Packard - [ ] Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak - [ ] Bill Gates and Paul Allen - [ ] Larry Page and Sergey Brin > **Explanation:** Hewlett-Packard was founded by Bill Hewlett and David Packard in 1939 in Palo Alto, California. ### What significant event happened to HP in 1999? - [ ] It acquired Compaq - [x] It spun off Agilent Technologies - [ ] It moved its headquarters - [ ] It launched the first LaserJet printer > **Explanation:** In 1999, HP spun off its electronic test equipment division, creating Agilent Technologies. ### What was the impact of the Compaq acquisition on HP? - [x] It made HP the largest global supplier of personal computers. - [ ] It resulted in a decline in HP's market share. - [ ] It shifted HP's focus to software development. - [ ] It introduced HP's first printer products. > **Explanation:** The acquisition of Compaq in 2002 made HP the largest global supplier of personal computers, surpassing Dell. ### When did HP acquire Electronic Data Systems (EDS)? - [ ] 1999 - [x] 2008 - [ ] 2002 - [ ] 2010 > **Explanation:** HP acquired Electronic Data Systems (EDS) in 2008 to enhance its IT services offerings. ### What is Agilent Technologies known for? - [ ] Personal computers - [ ] Printers and scanners - [x] Electronic test equipment and laboratory instruments - [ ] Consumer electronics > **Explanation:** Agilent Technologies, which was spun off from HP in 1999, is known for electronic test equipment and laboratory instruments. ### Where was HP originally headquartered? - [x] Palo Alto, California - [ ] San Francisco, California - [ ] New York, New York - [ ] Houston, Texas > **Explanation:** HP was originally headquartered in Palo Alto, California. ### What products did HP focus on after splitting from HPE? - [ ] Enterprise servers and storage - [ ] Network equipment - [x] PCs and printers - [ ] Database management systems > **Explanation:** After the split with Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) in 2015, HP Inc. focused on PCs and printers. ### How did the foundation of HP contribute to the development of Silicon Valley? - [ ] It served as a logistical hub. - [ ] It was a major telecommunications center. - [x] It contributed to the area's reputation as a center for technology and innovation. - [ ] It was known for heavy industry. > **Explanation:** The founding of HP in Palo Alto contributed significantly to Silicon Valley's reputation as a center for technology and innovation. ### Which high-performance laptop series by HP is aimed at creative professionals? - [ ] HP Pavilion - [ ] HP LaserJet - [x] HP Envy - [ ] HP Omen > **Explanation:** The HP Envy series is a high-performance line of laptops aimed at creative professionals. ### What role did Bill Hewlett and David Packard play in HP? - [ ] They were the first customers. - [x] They were the founders. - [ ] They were early investors. - [ ] They served as company accountants. > **Explanation:** Bill Hewlett and David Packard were the founders of HP.

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