What is hp

Last updated: April 1, 2026

Quick Answer: HP typically refers to Hewlett-Packard, an American multinational technology company founded in 1939 that manufactures computers, printers, and IT equipment. It's one of the world's largest technology corporations.

Key Facts

HP was founded on January 1, 1939 by William Hewlett and David Packard in a garage in Palo Alto, California, often cited as the birth of Silicon Valley
The company began by designing and manufacturing electronic test and measurement equipment before expanding into computers and printers
HP pioneered the desktop computer and handheld calculator revolutions in the 1970s and 1980s, particularly with the HP-35 calculator
HP is globally recognized for its inkjet and laser printers, which became the company's primary profit driver in the late 20th century
In 2015, HP split into two separate companies: HP Inc. (focusing on consumer and commercial products) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (focusing on servers, networking, and data center solutions)

Founding and Early History

Hewlett-Packard (HP) was founded on January 1, 1939 by Stanford University electrical engineering graduates William Hewlett and David Packard. Operating from a modest garage in Palo Alto, California, the company began by manufacturing electronic oscillators and test equipment. This humble beginning became symbolic of Silicon Valley's entrepreneurial spirit and led to the founding of countless technology companies in the region.

Growth and Diversification

Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, HP expanded its test equipment business while maintaining rigorous engineering standards and innovation. The company introduced groundbreaking products including the HP-35 handheld calculator in 1971, which revolutionized portable computing. HP's entry into computers and workstations established it as a major player in the technology industry.

Printer Division Success

HP's printer business became the company's defining achievement, particularly after introducing inkjet technology. The company dominated both consumer and enterprise printer markets for decades, generating substantial revenue and profits. Printer sales became synonymous with HP's brand identity globally.

Computer and Networking Solutions

Beyond printers, HP developed a comprehensive portfolio of computers including personal computers, laptops, workstations, and servers. The company competed in both consumer and enterprise markets, offering complete IT solutions that positioned HP as a comprehensive technology provider.

Reorganization and Current Structure

In 2015, HP split into HP Inc. (consumer and commercial PCs, printers, imaging) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (enterprise servers, storage, networking). This separation allowed each company to focus on distinct market segments and business models, reflecting the diverging needs of consumer versus enterprise technology markets.

More What Is in Daily Life

What Is a Credit ScoreA credit score is a three-digit number, typically ranging from 300 to 850, that represents your cred…
What Is CD rates make no sense based on length of time invested. Explain like I'm 5CD (Certificate of Deposit) rates often don't increase with longer lock-up times the way people expe…
What is a phdA PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) is a doctoral degree earned after completing advanced academic research…
What is a polymathA polymath is a person with deep knowledge and expertise across multiple different fields or academi…
What is aaveAAVE stands for African American Vernacular English, a dialect with distinct grammar, pronunciation,…
What is aarch64ARMv8-A (commonly called ARM64 or AArch64) is a 64-bit processor architecture developed by ARM Holdi…
What is about menTopics and discussions about men typically encompass masculinity, male identity, gender roles, men's…
What is abiturAbitur is the German academic qualification awarded upon completion of secondary education, typicall…
What is abrosexualAbrosexual is a sexual orientation identity where a person's sexual attraction changes or fluctuates…
What is abgABG is an Indonesian acronym standing for 'Anak Baru Gede,' which refers to adolescent girls or teen…
What is aaaAAA batteries are a standard cylindrical battery size measuring 10.5mm in diameter and 44.5mm in len…
What is aacAAC (Advanced Audio Codec) is a digital audio compression format that provides better sound quality …
What is aaa gameAAA games are high-budget video games developed by large studios with budgets typically exceeding $1…
What is a proxyA proxy is a server that acts as an intermediary between your device and the internet, forwarding yo…
What is ableismAbleism is discrimination and prejudice against people with disabilities based on the assumption tha…
What is absAbs, short for abdominal muscles, are the muscles in your core that flex your spine and stabilize yo…
What is abortionAbortion is a medical procedure that ends pregnancy by removing the fetus before viability. It can b…
What is accutaneAccutane (isotretinoin) is a powerful prescription medication derived from vitamin A used to treat s…
What is acetaminophenAcetaminophen, also known as paracetamol, is an over-the-counter pain reliever and fever reducer use…
What is acidAcid is a chemical substance that donates protons (hydrogen ions) to other substances, characterized…

Also in Daily Life

More "What Is" Questions

What Is Blockchain What is borderline personality disorder What is taxidermy What is rzlv stock What is wow retail What is algebra What is pqwl in train What is ugc creator What is xr towards a framework for augmented and virtual reality What is nft art What is revenue What is nair What is gwo training What is ojri meat What is ewr passport

Trending on WhatAnswer

How Does GPS Work difference between ai and ml How To Start a Business Difference Between HTTP and HTTPS How Does the Stock Market Work How To Learn Programming Difference Between LLC and Corporation Difference Between Virus and Bacteria Can you increase your iq Is it safe to invest in bonds

Browse by Topic

Arts Business Daily Life Education Food Geography Health History Language Law Mathematics Nature Politics Psychology Science Space Sports Technology

Browse by Question Type

Can You Difference Between Does How Does How To Is It What Causes What Does What Is When Was Where Is Who Is Why Do Why Is

Sources

Wikipedia - Hewlett-Packard CC-BY-SA-4.0
HP - Company History Fair Use
Britannica - Hewlett-Packard CC-BY-SA-3.0