Compaq

Associated With

Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto / Compaq Computer Corporation - co-founder, creator or operator, brand

Defining Feature

IBM-compatible personal computers, portable systems and enterprise hardware

Status

Defunct - Acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2002; the independent company ceased to exist

Overview

Compaq began in Texas in 1982 and built its early success around IBM-compatible personal computers.

Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto founded the company. Its first product was the transportable Compaq Portable, introduced in 1982 and released commercially in 1983.

Compaq expanded into desktops, laptops, servers, storage and enterprise systems. Acquisitions broadened the business before Hewlett-Packard completed its merger with Compaq in 2002, ending the company as an independent organisation.

Why It Mattered

Compaq was among the companies that demonstrated the commercial potential of IBM-compatible computers. Its emphasis on compatibility contributed to a broader PC market in which buyers were not tied to one manufacturer.

The acquisitions of Tandem Computers and Digital Equipment Corporation expanded Compaq into enterprise computing and services. Its merger with Hewlett-Packard ended the independent company, although HP continued using the Compaq name on selected computers for several years.

Portable Beginnings

• Compaq Computer Corporation was founded in Texas in 1982 by Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto.
• The Compaq Portable was introduced in 1982 and released commercially in 1983.
• Its ability to run software written for the IBM PC helped establish Compaq in the business-computer market.

Growth and Enterprise Expansion

• Compaq expanded from transportable computers into desktops, laptops, servers, storage systems and enterprise technology.
• In its 1999 annual report, Compaq described itself as the world's largest supplier of computing systems.
• Compaq acquired Tandem Computers in 1997 and Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998.
• The Digital acquisition expanded its enterprise-computing, services and international operations.

Hewlett-Packard Merger

• Hewlett-Packard and Compaq announced their proposed merger in September 2001.
• The transaction followed a closely contested shareholder campaign.
• Hewlett-Packard completed the merger on 3 May 2002.
• Compaq ceased to exist independently, although HP retained the name on selected computers for several years.

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