Categories Hardware

Computer Evolution: The Hewlett Packard Company

The Legacy of Hewlett-Packard

Founding of HP

Picture this: It’s 1939, and you’ve got two fresh-out-of-Stanford dudes, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard, hanging out in a small garage in Palo Alto, California. They’ve got a dream, a $538 budget, and a big idea – to make some cool electronic gear. This tiny spot is now a legendary symbol of Silicon Valley’s do-it-yourself, can-do vibe (HP).

Their first gadget? An audio oscillator. It’s a gizmo for testing sound equipment, which was pretty nifty back then. Even Walt Disney’s studio thought so; they snapped up eight of those bad boys to help with the magic of “Fantasia”. Hit the ground running, they did, setting the stage for HP’s rep for smart, sturdy tech (HP Tech Takes).

Evolution into the Computer Industry

Fast forward to 1966, and HP decides to crash the computer party. They roll out their first computer, the HP 2100A, and just like that, they’re in the mix (HP Tech Takes).

Through the groovy ’70s and ’80s, HP shakes things up, cooking up calculators, PCs, and printers galore. This jazzy expansion makes HP a big cheese in the tech scene, always keeping an eye on what’s coming next and making sure everyone’s got a shot at using the latest tech gear (HP).

Year Milestone Highlights
1939 Bill & Dave kick things off with $538 in a Palo Alto garage
1966 Unveiling of HP’s first computer, the HP 2100A
1970s-1980s Splashing into calculators, PCs, and printers

Got a craving for more nerdy nostalgia? Check out our write-ups on the history of commodore computers and atari tech wizardry. These tales serve up a full plate of how the tech industry grew and the awesome legacies left behind by these classic brands.

Hewlett-Packard’s Impact

Making Technology Accessible

At Hewlett-Packard, we’ve been on a mission to make technology user-friendly and within reach for many since the good old Computer Age. We’ve rolled up our sleeves and poured dedication into crafting products that don’t just meet needs but spark potential too. From the early days of PCs to game-changing printers, we’ve focused on breaking down walls to tech for folks everywhere. Our lineup wasn’t just a bunch of gadgets — it was a bridge that connected millions to the digital world.

Product Year Introduced Significance
HP-35 Calculator 1972 First handheld scientific calculator
HP-85 Personal Computer 1980 Opened new doors in computing
DeskJet Printer 1988 Made home printing affordable (HP Tech Takes)

Feel free to click over to HP Tech Takes if you’re itching to discover our story from calculators to PCs.

Expansion Beyond Electronics

Our story didn’t end with tech just for the masses. We saw fresh paths beyond electronics and hopped on the computer industry train, finding fresh adventures along the way. This leap helped us spread our wings and keep up with fast-moving trends. From beefy enterprise tools to snazzy consumer electronics, we aimed high and hit the mark. Our dive into computers changed the game, fueled by brainpower and smart choices that kept us at the tech table.

Milestone Expansion Area Notable Achievement
1968 Mini computers Launched HP 9100A, the first desktop scientific computer
1980 Personal computing Rolled out the HP-85 personal computer
2000s Enterprise solutions Snagged Compaq, boosting our server and storage prowess (HP)

Want the full backstory on how we’ve shaped tech’s evolution? Swing by our company overview page.

Because of our persistence, we’ve made some bold moves in making tech for the everyday person and taking things beyond plain old electronics. Curious about other trailblazers? Check out the history of Commodore computers and the scoop on Atari technology innovations.

Split into HP Inc. and HPE

Back in 2015, Hewlett-Packard Company decided to shake things up by splitting into two distinct squads: HP Inc. and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). This move was all about letting each team play to its strengths and shake up their respective playgrounds.

Separate Focus Areas

HP Inc. is all about the stuff you use every day—personal computers and those trusty printers. Think laptops, desktops, and even some nifty 3D printing action. Our guy Enrique Lores, who took the wheel as CEO in November 2019, has been steering the ship with a steady hand and creative flair (HP Executive Team).

Now, HPE, that’s where the big guns come in. We’re talking about enterprise-level gear like servers, storage, and networking. They’re rolling out the goods to help businesses rock in this digital age (Wikipedia).

Company What They Do
HP Inc. Computers, Printing Gear
Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) Big Business Tech and Services

Leadership and Strategies

Under Enrique Lores, HP Inc. has been cruising along smoothly since the big split. He played a huge part in making the separation happen and in snapping up Samsung’s printer biz back in 2017. Now, that was a boss move (HP Executive Team).

On the other side, we’ve got Antonio Neri heading up Hewlett Packard Enterprise. Neri’s all about focusing on customers and whipping up strategies that tackle digital changes and hybrid IT for the big players. HPE is pushing the bounds of innovation, making sure businesses groove into the digital beat (Hewlett Packard History).

Both HP Inc. and HPE stick to the trail blazed by Bill Hewlett and David Packard. HP Inc.’s rocking the personal systems and printer scene, while HPE helps folks make the digital switch with killer enterprise tech.

So, by getting the low-down on what these two powerhouses focus on and how they’re being steered, we get why the grand old Hewlett-Packard still packs a punch in today’s tech scene. Check out our parts about the divide in personal tech with a look back at the history of Commodore computers and explore the Commodore computers legacy.

HP’s Product and Service Portfolio

Personal Systems

We’ve got an array of personal gadgets lined up for every tech aficionado, from IT pros to just folks who wanna keep things simple. Our stash includes everything from beefy desktops to sleek, take-them-anywhere laptops, serious workstations, and essentials like point-of-sale gizmos.

We’re all about cranking out the latest gear that keeps up with whatever you throw at it. Our high-flyer, the HP Z Workstation, handles the heavy lifting, while the HP Spectre laptops bring style and portability to the table. Rest assured, they’re built to keep you moving and grooving in the ever-spinning tech dance party (HP).

Device What It’s Good At
Desktops Built tough for both home hangouts and office marathons.
Laptops Light enough to grab and go, yet packed with power.
Workstations The heavy lifters for your wild creative ideas and technical grind.
Point-of-Sale Devices Making transactions smooth as silk in stores and eateries. (HP)

Feeling nosy? Check out all the ways our gear fits into different industries on our industry-specific solutions page.

Printers and 3D Printing Solutions

Our lineup just wouldn’t be complete without showing off some slick printers and mind-blowing 3D printing tech. HP keeps the engine running with printers ready to tackle any job and get those creative and practical juices flowing.

From HP DesignJet for the artsy crowd to those trusty HP LaserJets keeping things in line at the office, our printers power up everything from movies to financial reports (HP). They’re like workhorses on a caffeine high in sectors like hospitality and retail (HP).

Printer Type Perks
HP DesignJet For the visual masterpieces and big-scale printing.
HP LaserJet Quick and precise, top picks for office warriors.
HP OfficeJet The Swiss Army knife for smaller biz setups.
HP 3D Printers Leap into the future with our cool 3D tech for designs and production.

HP’s 3D printers are shaking things up in the way stuff gets made, helping creators dream big and tweak faster. Yep, they’re game changers across teaching, labs, healthcare, and even assembly lines (HP).

Want the scoop on how our top-notch printing tools can jazz up your biz or creative projects? Visit our hub on HP’s technological advancements and digital innovations.

HP’s Love for Innovation

We’re big fans of shaking things up here at HP. It’s our way to keep marching forward into the future, with the coolest gadgets and gizmos you can imagine. This drive you can see pumping through our research hub, HP Labs, and fueling our rockstar tech team who are always cranking out groundbreaking stuff.

HP Labs

Where the magic happens! HP Labs is like our alchemist’s lab, minus the bubbling potions. We’re busy cooking up the next big thing in the tech scene. AI that outsmarts us? Check. 3D printing that’ll blow your mind? You bet. Ironclad cybersecurity features? Oh yeah, we’ve got you covered. We’re on a mission to dream up solutions that tackle the planet’s toughest puzzles.

Need a sneak peek of some awesome things stirring at HP Labs? Here ya go:

Cool Stuff What’s the Plan?
Artificial Intelligence Building systems that are smarter than your average bear
3D Printing Changing the way we make stuff, forever
Cybersecurity Locking down your data like our life depends on it
Sustainable Technologies Making tomorrow a little greener, one tech at a time

Curiosity piqued? Mosey on over to our HP Labs page for a deeper dive.

Tech Gurus & Digital Gamechangers

Our secret sauce is the bunch of tech wizards who make magic happen with every keystroke. They’re the unsung heroes, armed with know-how that makes the impossible possible. Their passion and smarts keep us leading the pack in all things digital. From cool, user-friendly interfaces to strong and ready-for-anything computing solutions, they’re always on the move, redefining the limits.

We’re all about keeping these brainiacs sharp, so we invest in them big time. With opportunities to grow and stretch their skills, they’re always riding the wave of the freshest tech and trends. Wanna know more about our tech champions and the awesome stuff they’re up to? Have a gander at our technology experts section.

Apart from blazing our own trail, we rub shoulders with the tech world’s finest, teaming up with top brains and joining global tech pow-wows to juice up our innovation game. Our drive to create jaw-dropping tech is all part of our mission to make top-notch tech toys for everyone to enjoy.

To get the full scoop on how we’ve been making waves, check out sections like Hewlett-Packard’s Impact and Products and Services.

HP’s Social Responsibility

Here at HP, we’re not just about gadgets and gizmos. We’re a tech company that believes in doing some good in the world. We’ve taken a vow of community service and we’re sticking to it, making a real difference with a bunch of cool initiatives and programs.

HP Foundation

A vital part of our mission is the HP Foundation, where we roll up our sleeves for some serious community action. This nonprofit arm of ours dives into tech-focused education, gives a hand to charity, and ropes in our employees for volunteer gigs. We’re all about equipping folks with new skills, creating economic chances, and giving local communities a leg up.

Here’s what we’re up to in the Foundation:

  • HP LIFE (Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurs): Offers free, online courses in tech and business know-how, tailor-made for go-getters and small biz owners.
  • Employee Volunteering: We spur our people to get out there and use their time and talent for local causes.
  • Matching Gifts Program: We double down on donations from our employees to legit nonprofits, boosting our community support.

If you’re curious about all the happenings at the HP Foundation, just stop by our HP Foundation page.

Sustainable Impact Initiatives

We’re not here for just short-term fixes; we’re all about shaking things up for the long haul with our sustainability missions. That’s why we’re laser-focused on three big areas:

  • Planet: Cutting down waste, using green materials, and making recyclable gizmos, we’re all in to help Mother Earth.
  • People: We’re on a mission to build a place where diversity thrives, workers feel their best, and tech benefits those who often miss out.
  • Community: Creating job opportunities and bettering local areas with tech education and training, that’s our jam.

We’re setting the bar high! Slashing our carbon footprint by half and running on 100% renewable electricity worldwide by 2030, that’s what we’re aiming for. These targets are just part of our grand plan to tackle climate change and give the environment a breather.

Check out how we’re doing with our sustainability drive:

Initiative 2022 High Score
Carbon Footprint Shrinking 45% towards our goal
Renewable Juice (Electricity) 75% across the globe
Recycled Stuff in Products 30% by bulk

Got a taste for updates and breaking it down more? Visit our Sustainable Impact page.

Rolling with these principles keeps us steering in the right direction of making lives a tad better on this spinning rock in space. If you’re itching to know more about HP’s journey and its mark, check out our articles on the history of commodore computers and vintage commodore computers.

HP’s Industry-Specific Solutions

Healthcare Industry Solutions

We’re all about making life easier for our healthcare heroes. We know the pressure’s on, and we’ve got your back with tech that’ll help you stay laser-focused on what truly matters—caring for patients. Our gadgetry is all about streamlining how you work, because every second counts when it comes to patient care.

Solution What It Does
HP Elite Healthcare Edition Notebooks These bad boys come with an antimicrobial coat and play nice with medical software, perfect for keeping germs and tech in check.
HP Print Security Keeps patient info under lock and key with top-notch security features made just for health settings.
HP Healthcare Displays Screens that are a breeze to clean, tailor-made for the fuss-free clinical environment.

Wanna see just how we stir things up in healthcare? Here’s the full scoop: HP’s Technological Innovations in Healthcare.

Educational Sector Solutions

We’re jazzing up schools and universities with tech that makes learning not just smart, but fun too! Our goal is to supercharge classrooms with gadgets that teachers and students can really dig into.

Solution What It Does
HP Chromebook Education Edition Sturdy laptops that can take a beating and keep going, just like the students using them, plus they run all the cool educational apps.
HP Classroom Manager Think of it as a teacher’s sidekick, keeping classroom computers in line, so the focus stays on the lesson not the laptop.
HP Interactive Displays These screens make lessons pop, turning presentations into interactive adventures that capture everyone’s attention.

Peek at how HP is flipping education on its head right here: HP’s Educational Technology Solutions.

We’re always keeping our eyes peeled for new ways to shake up different industries with fresh tech ideas. Curious about the old-school tech giants that paved the way, like Commodore and Atari? Dive into their stories: History of Commodore Computers and Atari Technology Innovations.

HP’s Financial Performance

Fiscal 2023 Overview

Alright folks, let’s dive into some numbers. This year was a bit of a rollercoaster for us at HP Inc. We wrapped up fiscal 2023 with a net revenue of $53.7 billion—yeah, that’s a dip of about 15% from last year (or 12% if currency changes are your thing). But there’s a silver lining here! Our GAAP diluted net EPS climbed to $3.26, up from $2.98 in the previous year. Not too shabby, huh?

Here’s a peek at our 2023 numbers:

Financial Metric FY 2023
Net Revenue $53.7B
GAAP Diluted Net EPS $3.26
Free Cash Flow $3.1B
Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities $3.6B
Shares Repurchased 3.6M

During the last quarter, we hit $13.8 billion in net revenue, which was down by 6% compared to last year (5% for our currency enthusiasts). But hey, our quarterly GAAP diluted net EPS shot up to $0.97, from a not-so-great $(0.02) last year—now that’s what I call a bounce-back!

Thanks to our smart financial moves, we sent 37% of our free cash back into the hands of our shareholders, snapping up about 3.6 million common shares worth $100 million. And sweet news for our shareholders—our board okayed a 5% hike in our quarterly cash dividend, making it $0.2756 per share. Mark your calendars for January 4, 2024! For a walk down memory lane, check out our stories on the commodore computers legacy and atari technology innovations.

Forecast for Fiscal 2024

2024, here we come! We’re keeping our fingers crossed for a stable year. For the first quarter, our GAAP diluted net EPS should wiggle between $0.60 and $0.70. Our non-GAAP diluted net EPS? Expect it somewhere from $0.76 to $0.86. And for the year? We’re eyeing a free cash flow of about $3.1 to $3.6 billion. Not too shabby if I say so myself!

Here’s our crystal ball prediction for 2024:

Financial Metric FY 2024 Forecast
GAAP Diluted Net EPS (Q1) $0.60 – $0.70
Non-GAAP Diluted Net EPS (Q1) $0.76 – $0.86
Free Cash Flow $3.1B – $3.6B

Our game plan? Keep pushing for innovation and minding our financial P’s and Q’s to keep growing and bring home the bacon. Want to dig more into what makes HP tick? Swing by our other reads on Hewlett Packard company overviews.