Compaq Computer Corporation was a pioneering American computer company founded in 1982, known for its early portable PCs and as a leading manufacturer of IBM-compatible computers. After rapid growth and market leadership, it faced challenges and was acquired by Hewlett-Packard in 2002, with the brand eventually phased out.
Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto found Compaq Computer Corporation in Houston, Texas, with initial funding from venture capitalists. The company aimed to produce portable IBM-compatible computers.
Compaq launches the Compaq Portable, one of the first fully IBM-compatible portable computers. Weighing 28 pounds, it runs MS-DOS and features a 9-inch monochrome monitor.
Compaq achieves $111 million in sales in its first full year, a record for a startup company, driven by strong demand for its portable computers.
Compaq introduces the Deskpro 286, a desktop computer powered by the Intel 80286 processor, offering superior performance and compatibility with IBM PC software.
Compaq goes public on the New York Stock Exchange, raising significant capital for expansion. The stock symbol is CPQ.
Compaq launches the Deskpro 386, the first personal computer powered by Intel's 80386 processor, beating IBM to market and establishing Compaq as a technology leader.
Compaq introduces the Portable II, a lighter and more compact portable computer, further solidifying its leadership in the portable market.
Compaq releases the SLT/286, its first laptop computer, featuring a VGA display and a 20 MB hard drive, targeting mobile professionals.
Compaq enters the server market with the SystemPro, a high-performance multiprocessing server designed for network environments.
Co-founder Rod Canion is forced out by the board, replaced by Eckhard Pfeiffer. This marks a shift toward aggressive pricing and market share growth.
Under Pfeiffer, Compaq initiates aggressive price cuts to gain market share, triggering a price war in the PC industry that reshapes the competitive landscape.
Compaq introduces the Presario line of home computers, targeting the consumer market with affordable, multimedia-ready PCs.
Compaq surpasses IBM to become the leading personal computer manufacturer worldwide, with revenue exceeding $10 billion.
Compaq launches the LTE Lite 4/25c, a popular notebook with color display, highlighting its focus on mobile computing.
Compaq begins selling printers, leveraging its brand to compete with Hewlett-Packard and others, though this venture is short-lived.
Compaq acquires networking companies NetWorth and Thomas-Conrad to strengthen its networking capabilities.
Compaq launches the ProLiant series of servers, which becomes a dominant force in the enterprise server market.
Compaq acquires Tandem Computers for $3 billion, gaining high-end server technology and entry into the fault-tolerant computing market.
Compaq buys DEC for $9.6 billion, one of the largest tech mergers at the time, gaining DEC's enterprise services, Alpha processors, and customer base.
Compaq releases the iPAQ Pocket PC, a groundbreaking personal digital assistant running Windows CE, becoming a market leader.
Michael Capellas becomes CEO, tasked with restructuring Compaq and improving operational efficiency.
After profit warnings and declining stock, CEO Eckhard Pfeiffer resigns. Compaq begins a period of instability.
The integration of DEC proves difficult, leading to layoffs and restructuring. Compaq's market share begins to erode due to competition from Dell and others.
Leveraging DEC technology, Compaq introduces the AlphaServer GS series, high-performance servers for enterprise customers.
HP announces plans to acquire Compaq for $25 billion, sparking intense debate and a proxy fight with HP board member Walter Hewlett.
After shareholder approval, HP completes the acquisition of Compaq. The combined entity retains the HP name; Compaq becomes a brand of HP.
HP continues to use the Compaq brand for low-cost PCs and laptops, targeting value-conscious consumers and businesses.
HP launches the Compaq Presario 2500, a budget laptop aimed at the consumer market.
HP focuses the Compaq brand on emerging markets like China and India, leveraging its cost structure to compete with local manufacturers.
HP begins to phase out the Compaq name in favor of its own brand, though Compaq remains for certain product lines.
HP introduces the Compaq Tablet PC, running Windows 7, targeting business users.
HP announces potential spin-off of its PC division, but later reverses the decision. The Compaq brand remains part of HP's portfolio.
HP reduces the use of the Compaq brand, focusing on its own name for PCs and laptops. The Compaq name is largely retired in developed markets.
HP splits into HP Inc. (PCs and printers) and Hewlett Packard Enterprise (servers, services). The Compaq brand is retained by HP Inc.
HP reintroduces the Compaq brand for specific low-cost products in developing countries, aiming to compete with local brands.
The Compaq name is used primarily for HP's budget business desktop and laptop lines, such as the Compaq Pro and Compaq Evo series.
HP quietly notes Compaq's 40th anniversary, though the brand has minimal presence in the market.
As of 2023, HP continues to use the Compaq trademark in a few countries, mostly for entry-level commercial desktops.