Compaq

Compaq helped prove that IBM-compatible computers could be produced successfully by companies other than IBM. Its careful approach to compatibility encouraged a much broader PC market in which buyers were no longer tied to one manufacturer. After years of rapid growth and major acquisitions, including Tandem Computers and Digital Equipment Corporation, Compaq was acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2002. The name continued on some HP products before gradually disappearing, leaving behind a major influence on the modern computer industry.

- Compaq Computer Corporation was founded in Texas in 1982 by Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto. - The company entered the market with the Compaq Portable, introduced in 1982 and released commercially in 1983. - Its ability to run software written for the IBM PC helped Compaq establish itself rapidly in the business-computer market. - Compaq joined the Fortune 500 faster than any company had previously done.

- Compaq expanded from transportable computers into desktops, laptops, servers, storage systems and enterprise technology. - Its computers were sold to homes, businesses, governments and educational organisations. - By its 1999 annual report, Compaq described itself as the world’s largest supplier of computing systems. - Its products and services were sold in more than 200 countries.

- Compaq acquired Tandem Computers in 1997, strengthening its position in fault-tolerant business systems. - It acquired Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998. - The Digital acquisition greatly expanded Compaq’s enterprise-computing, services and international operations. - Compaq increasingly operated as a broad technology company rather than solely a personal-computer manufacturer.

- 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 as an independent company, although HP continued using the Compaq name on selected computers for several years.

- Image source not yet verified — editorial review required.

- Compaq Computer Corporation was founded in Texas in 1982 by Rod Canion, Jim Harris and Bill Murto. - The company entered the market with the Compaq Portable, introduced in 1982 and released commercially in 1983. - Its ability to run software written for the IBM PC helped Compaq establish itself rapidly in the business-computer market. - Compaq joined the Fortune 500 faster than any company had previously done.

- Compaq expanded from transportable computers into desktops, laptops, servers, storage systems and enterprise technology. - Its computers were sold to homes, businesses, governments and educational organisations. - By its 1999 annual report, Compaq described itself as the world’s largest supplier of computing systems. - Its products and services were sold in more than 200 countries.

- Compaq acquired Tandem Computers in 1997, strengthening its position in fault-tolerant business systems. - It acquired Digital Equipment Corporation in 1998. - The Digital acquisition greatly expanded Compaq’s enterprise-computing, services and international operations. - Compaq increasingly operated as a broad technology company rather than solely a personal-computer manufacturer.

- 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 as an independent company, although HP continued using the Compaq name on selected computers for several years.

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

IBM-compatible personal computers, portable systems and enterprise hardware

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

- **Compaq Computer Corporation — 1999 Form 10-K Annual Report** - **Compaq Computer Corporation — 2001 Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement** - **SEC Filing — Proposed Hewlett-Packard and Compaq Merger** - **Hewlett-Packard Corporate Timeline — Completion of the Compaq Merger**

- Image source not yet verified — editorial review required.

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