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The 70s
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| The HP-35, the world's first scientific handheld calculator | ||
HP continues its tradition of innovation with the introduction of a new array of computing products. Foremost among them is the HP-35, the first scientific handheld calculator, which ushers in a new era of portable, powerful computing.
HP continues to look for new opportunities around the globe, laying the groundwork for an eventual joint venture with China over the course of several trips by HP representatives to that country.
The decade is marked by significant growth in earnings and employment, with HP passing the $1 billion mark in sales in 1976. The company will pass the $2 billion mark three years later in 1979. Toward the end of the decade, Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard delegate day-to-day operating management of the company to John Young.
1970
The HP automatic microwave network analyzer is introduced. It becomes an indispensable tool for the design and manufacture of microwave systems.
Revenue: $365 million. Employees: 16,000.
1971
HP’s work with lasers produces a laser interferometer capable of measuring to millionths of an inch. Ideal for machine tool accuracy, it positions HP as a world leader in the market. Similar technology produces a laser instrument that becomes the first electronic surveying tool.
Revenue: $375 million. Employees: 16,540.
1972
Dave retires as Deputy Secretary of Defense, returns to HP and is elected chairman of the board. Bill retains the titles of president and CEO.
HP makes another advance in personal computing with the HP-35, the world's first scientific handheld calculator. Small enough to fit into a shirt pocket, the powerful HP-35 makes the engineer's slide rule obsolete. In 2000, Forbes ASAP names it one of 20 "all time products" that have changed the world.
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| HP 3000 | ||
HP expands into business computing with its first general-purpose computer, the HP 3000, which introduces the era of distributed data processing. The HP 3000 serves high-technology engineering and research needs at the same time it handles day-to-day administrative data processing operations.
HP becomes the first U.S. electronics firm to be invited to China for trade discussions.
Revenue: $479 million. Employees: 20,941.
1973
HP becomes the first U.S. company to institute flexible working hours, or flex-time. Under the program, HP employees can begin work at any time during a two-hour period and leave after completing an eight-hour work day. The purpose, as explained by Bill, is "to gain more time for family leisure, conduct personal business, avoid traffic jams or to satisfy other individual needs."
HP pioneers the first chemical analysis system controlled by a microprocessor. It provides simplified operation and improved results.
HP's new Model 5000A Logic Analyzer solves digital design and troubleshooting problems in the fast-growing field of digital electronics.
HP begins operations in Boise, Idaho. In less than ten years, Boise will become home to two HP divisions manufacturing computer memory devices and printers. HP introduces the first electronic calculator to print Japanese characters. The model 9810 desktop calculator is marketed in Japan by Yokogawa-Hewlett-Packard.
Revenue: $661 million. Employees: 28, 255.
1974
HP introduces the first minicomputer to be based on 4K dynamic random access memory chips (DRAM) instead of magnetic cores.
The world's first programmable pocket calculator, the HP-65, is introduced at $795. Its programmability will later lead some to call it the world's first handheld computer.
Revenue: $884 million. Employees: 28,877.
1975
HP simplifies instrument systems by creating a standard interface. The electronics industry adopts the HP-IB (interface bus) as an international standard to allow one or more instruments to connect easily to a computer.
Revenue: $981 million. Employees: 30,239.
1977
Bill retires as president but remains CEO. Dave remains chairman of the board, and John Young is named president. An HP veteran, Young, an engineer, is executive vice president responsible for HP's Instrument, Computer Systems and Components Groups at the time. Under his tenure, HP will grow to be a leader in the computing industry.
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| HP-01 | ||
HP introduces the HP-01 wrist instrument, a combination digital wristwatch, calculator and personal calendar. Smarter than many pocket calculators, the sleek wrist instrument (code-named Cricket) performs more than three dozen functions to manipulate and interrelate time, calendar and numeric data. One of the first personal information appliances, the HP-01 demonstrates HP's excellence at miniaturization. Miniaturizing the math functions is an engineering feat, as is the extraordinarily small package engineering.
Dave makes his first trip to China as a member of a non-governmental group of Americans invited by Chinese officials. The visit makes a strong impression, and Dave becomes committed to helping China's modernization efforts. He will return two years later in 1979.
Revenue: $1.4 billion. Employees: 35,062.
1978
Bill retires as CEO. John Young succeeds him as CEO; he serves until 1992.
Revenue: $1.9 billion. Employees: 42,376.
1979
Dave travels to China for the second time. During his visit, he tours factories and other scientific facilities. His hosts express interest in a joint venture with Hewlett-Packard. Throughout the following years, HP and Chinese representatives make steps toward solidifying their business relationship. China Hewlett-Packard is eventually established in 1985.
HP produces the first integrated microprocessor development system, combining all the tools needed by hardware and software engineers.
HP development of fused-silica capillary columns simplifies chemical analysis, increasing the number of compounds it is possible to analyze.
A new diode-array detector for chemical analysis provides rapid results by measuring multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously.
The Hewlett-Packard Company Foundation is established.
Revenue: $2.4 billion. Employees: 52,030.
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