Dave Packard and Bill Packard, freshly graduated from Stanford University with a degree in electrical engineering in the 1930s and 1934, were the first people to work at Agilent Technologies in the United States. Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett, freshly graduated from Stanford University with a degree in electrical engineering. Dave Packard and Bill Hewlett went on a two-week fishing and camping trip in the Colorado mountains. The two men became close friends when they realized that they saw eye to eye on many things. Bill went on to Stanford University and MIT to further his education, and David got a job at General Electric. Encouraged by Fred Terman, a Stanford professor and mentor, the two men decided to start a company and run it on their own.
In 1938
The Packards moved into 367 Addison Street in Palo Alto, California. Bill rented a cabin right behind this house. Bill and David started the business with $538 as initial capital and spent their spare time in the garage. Bill Hewlett Bill Hewlett used his negative feedback research to develop HP's first product, a resistive acoustic oscillator (model HP 200A), an electronic instrument used to test audio equipment. The oscillator placed an incandescent bulb into the circuit to provide a variable resistance, a breakthrough in oscillator design. Using the feedback principle, Hewlett-Packard followed with several other early products, such as a harmonic waveform analyzer and a variety of distortion analyzers. The Walt Disney Company orders eight oscillators (HP 200B) for use in the production of the classic film Fantasia. 1939
The two men form a partnership on New Year's Day, 1939, and flip a coin to decide on the company name. The Walt Disney Company tested the sound equipment used in the production of the movie Fantasia with the Model HP 200B Acoustic Oscillator. The 1940s company's test and measurement products became popular in the engineering and scientific communities. The outbreak of World War II caused orders for electronic instruments from the U.S. government to fly in like snowflakes. Hewlett-Packard introduced many new products and built its first company building.
1940
The company's manufacturing plant is moved from a garage to a leased building at PageMill Road and ElCamino in Palo Alto. The company pays its employees their first bonus, a $5 Christmas bonus. The holiday bonuses became production bonuses and later evolved into a company-wide profit-sharing program. Net Operating Revenues: $34,000; Employees: 3; Product Line: 8. 1942
Constructs first building of its own (the Redwood Building) at 395 PageMill Road, Palo Alto, California, which combines offices, laboratories, and factories in a 10,000 square foot building. Bill and David designed the building in an unpartitioned layout to allow for more flexibility of space. David designed a voltmeter that offered unprecedented reliability at an extremely low price. 1943
Hewlett-Packard entered the field of microwave technology with the development of signal generators and radar jamming equipment for the Naval Research Laboratory. A complete line of microwave test products developed during World War II made Hewlett-Packard a recognized leader in the field of signal generators. In the 1950s Hewlett-Packard set a corporate goal that would later become the basis of its unique management philosophy, and HP embarked on a move toward globalization.
The introduction of the high-speed frequency counter (HP524A) dramatically reduced the time required to measure high frequencies (from about 10 minutes to 1~2 seconds). In terms of technical applications, broadcasters using the HP524A can accurately set the transmit frequency (e.g., FM 104.7 MHz), thereby meeting the requirements of the authority's (FCC) regulations on frequency stability of airwaves.
Clearly formulated corporate development goals that became the foundation for the company's later management model, widely known as the HPWay.
1950
Several major technological advances in the field of microwave measurement instrumentation make measurements more comprehensive and significantly improve measurement accuracy. Net operating income: $5.5 million; employees: 215. 1957
On November 6, 1957, the company's stock went public for the first time. 1958
Net operating income: $30 million; employees: 1,778; product offerings: 373. 1959
Out of California, a European marketing organization was established in Geneva, Switzerland. European marketing organization and establishes its first overseas manufacturing facility in Boeblingen, West Germany. 1960s Hewlett-Packard maintains solid growth in the test and measurement market segment and begins to venture into other related areas such as electronic medical instruments and analytical instruments. Hewlett-Packard began to be viewed as an aggressive, well-managed company and a desirable place to work.
1960
New oscilloscopes were designed for the first time to use new sampling techniques to observe fast digitized waveforms widely used in computer technology. A second domestic U.S. manufacturing facility opens in Loveland, Colorado.1961
Enters the medical field with the acquisition of Sanborn Corporation of Waltham, Massachusetts. Listed on the New York Stock Exchange and the Pacific Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol HWP. 1962
Hewlett-Packard makes its debut on Fortune's list of the top 500 U.S. corporations, ranking No. 460. 1963
The company forms its first joint venture, Yokogawa Hewlett-Packard Corporation, with Japan's Yokogawa Electric Corporation in Tokyo. Produces the first synthesized signal generator capable of generating electrical signals at a precise preset frequency, a major contribution to measurement automation. 1964
Hewlett-Packard celebrates its 25th anniversary. David Packard is elected chairman of the board. David Packard is elected Chairman of the Board of Directors and Bill Hewlett is elected President. Bill Hewlett is elected president. Introduced the highly accurate HP5060A cesium beam time standard. Introduces the Microwave Spectrum Analyzer, the first measurement instrument capable of direct readout and calibrated analysis of individual signals in a group of frequency bands. 1965
Hewlett-Packard acquires F&M Technologies, Inc. and moves into the field of analytical instrumentation. Net operating income: $165 million; employees: 9,000.1966
The company's central research facility, HP Laboratories, is established as the world's leading electronics research center. The company introduces its first computer product (HP2116A), which is used as a controller for test and measurement instruments. The first oscillator with all-solid-state components is introduced, which is small, lightweight, and has a large display for ease of use in the laboratory and in production.1967
Boeblingen, HP's subsidiary in Germany, introduces a non-contact fetal heart rate monitor to measure the condition of the fetus during labor. Boeblingen also pioneered the concept of flexible working, which has been widely adopted at HP sites around the world. Hewlett-Packard engineers flew to 18 countries around the world with the atomic clocks they had developed to calibrate international standard time there. The cesium beam time standard eventually became the standard for calibrating international time. 1969
David Packard became deputy secretary of defense for the U.S. Department of Defense. David Packard became Deputy Secretary of Defense (1961-1971). The first automatic sample injector for chromatographic separations allows samples to be analyzed without disrupting the entire system. 1970s Hewlett-Packard continued its tradition of sharp innovation. By the end of the 1970s, the company's profitability and number of employees had grown significantly, and Bill and David turned over the day-to-day management of the company to John Young. John Young.
1970
Introduces the fully automated Microwave Network Analyzer, an indispensable tool in the design and manufacture of microwave systems. Net operating income: $365 million; employees: 16,000.1971
Utilizes laser technology to produce a laser jammer that can measure the length of a millionth of an inch. The HP laser jammer is still the instrument of choice when manufacturing microprocessor chips. Hewlett-Packard also utilized similar technology to develop a laser instrument ---- the first electronic survey tool.1973
Introduced the first microprocessor-controlled chemical analysis system, which was simple to operate and provided significantly better analytical results. Logic analyzers become the tool of choice for engineers in the fast-growing field of digital electronics.1975
Hewlett-Packard develops standard interfaces that simplify instrumentation systems. The electronics industry adopts Hewlett-Packard's interface bus, HP-IB, as the international interface standard, making it easy to connect multiple instruments to a computer. the HP-IB interface bus and the HP programming language make it possible to build test systems from off-the-shelf instruments. 1977
John Young becomes president of Hewlett-Packard. Young became president of Hewlett-Packard (and CEO in 1978). 1978
Engineers developed a new computer language called the ECG Standard Language (ECL). One of the first artificial intelligence systems, it enables HP computer systems to analyze ECGs like a doctor.1979
Introduces the first integrated microprocessor development system, which combines all the tools needed by software and hardware engineers. Hewlett-Packard develops quartz capillary columns that simplify the chemical analysis process, making it possible to analyze a wider variety of compounds. A newly introduced diode array detector for chemical analysis quickly measures multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously. 1980sIn this era of increasing globalization and rapid economic change, the enormous impact of computer technology in all product areas not only improved product performance and lowered production costs, but also revolutionized entire production processes and organizational structures.
1980
Introduced the 64-channel electrocardiographic ultrasound monitor, which operated quickly to display real-time heartbeat images. Net revenues: $3 billion; 57,000 employees. 1982
Signal Data Network is the first network to transmit data so quickly that a single terminal can monitor 24 hospital beds simultaneously. 1985
The world's first microprocessor-based network analyzer allows users to quickly and easily analyze amplitude and phase data at near real-time speeds and through unheard-of frequency ranges. range to make quick and easy amplitude and phase measurements. Net revenues: $6.5 billion; employees: 85,000. 1987
Bill Hewlett retires and resigns from the board of directors. Hewlett retires and resigns as vice chairman of the board. Walter Hewlett (Bill's son) and David Woodley Packard (David's son) are elected to the company's board of directors. 1988
Digital multimeter combines high-frequency, high-accuracy, and high-resolution voltage measurement. An analyzer that measures the transmission bandwidth of terahertz is developed for use in optoelectronic communications.1989
Hewlett-Packard celebrates its 50th anniversary. HP introduces a new atomic radiation detector, the first detector capable of detecting all elements except helium by gas chromatography. The Test and Measurement System Language (TMSL) is introduced to solve the problem of having to write software to transfer information between different instruments in a test system.TMSL opens up a new standard for industrial messaging. In the 1990s, as network-based information and applications became more widespread, the pace of change accelerated dramatically, competition became more intense, and the cycle time for products to go from the lab to the marketplace shortened dramatically.
1990
Hewlett-Packard enters the specimen preparation arena with its newly developed supercritical liquid extractor. Net revenues: $13.2 billion; Employees: 91,500.1991
Acquisition of Advantek, Inc. broadens the company's supply of components for the global communications market. The HP SONOS Model 1500 Echo Heart Recorder allows physicians to quantitatively analyze patients' ECGs instantly and non-contact by means of ultrasonic processing. 1992
Introduces the new Atomic Clock, the world's most accurate timekeeping device for commercial use. The Company's test device generates and detects data streams of 2.5 billion data bits per second, allowing telecommunications manufacturers to verify the performance of messaging equipment. The Company introduces the first protein sequencing system, a device that analyzes proteins and indels in a completely automated manner. Spectrum analyzers prove to be an important product in the rapidly growing field of optical communications. Introduces a new component-based oscilloscope for use in the design of high-speed digital electronics. The HP SONOS 1500 Enhanced Cardiac Multiwell Imaging System is the first product to automatically measure the heart's jet judgment, an important indicator for assessing the health of the heart. Introduced yellow and orange LED light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and expanded LED light-emitting diode applications to automotive, traffic control signals and mobile information dashboards. Lewis. Pratt is elected president and chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard.1993
The AcceSS7 network monitoring system allows telecommunications customers to monitor all elements of the SS7 network from a centralized location, which dramatically improves the efficiency of communications networks. The HP 3D Surface Tension Electrophoresis Analysis System provides bioscientists with leading separation capabilities. Introduced the HP 83000 System, with which Hewlett-Packard entered the market for testing digital integrated circuit products. 1994
Revenue reached $25 billion. Introduced the world's brightest LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Combining high brightness, reliability and low power consumption, it replaces incandescent lamps in many applications. Established a joint venture in China with Shanghai Analytical Instrument Factory. The company enters the field of DNA analysis to develop systems and products that can be used in pharmaceutical research and the health care industry. The company enters the inorganic products market with the first inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) that can be installed in a semi-open environment. Previously, chemists had to rely on large systems that were usually installed in special laboratories and operated by dedicated personnel. The new system brings inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry into the everyday laboratory environment. The Broadband Series test system rises to become the industry standard. The first system to test ATMs and ISDN networks, it brings together for the first time test results from all levels of the complex ISDN network, helping operators prove that these new technologies can form the basis of an information superhighway capable of transmitting voice, data, images, and video. The first pulsed oximetry instrument to be incorporated into a fiber separator, SpO2 provides a continuous, non-contact assessment of oxygen levels in a patient's blood, improving the ability of therapists to decide whether to proceed with further cardiac-control therapies while measuring the heartbeat. 1995
Hewlett-Packard leveraged decades of experience with quartz technology and cesium time standards to develop a synchronized clock system that enabled the network to deliver sound, data, and video over the Internet. Provide new digital services for voice, data, and video communications with higher levels of accuracy and reliability. Introduced the industry's first low-cost, high-speed compact infrared transceiver, enabling wireless point-and-shoot data exchange between a wide range of portable computing applications such as telephones, computers, printers, cash registers, and ATM digital cameras. The HP 6890 series of gas chromatography systems offers a high level of performance and simple push-button control, easing management requirements and providing the opportunity for the next generation of high-performance gas chromatography. The Second Generation Atomic Radiation Detector measures most elements at the parts-per-trillion level and is the only commercially available atomic radiation detection system that measures by gas chromatography. The Broadband Service Analyzer is a new portable tool for setting up broadband networks. It represents a breakthrough in ease of use, as the analyzer can perform a variety of complex tests of network quality at the touch of a button, and also facilitates the use of sophisticated ATM technology. In order to develop the concept of open healthcare facilities for multiple*** use, Hewlett-Packard organized the Andover Working Group, which was dedicated to defining, developing, and implementing standard solutions and sharing the resulting information with healthcare companies.1996
Hewlett-Packard's co-founder, David. Packard passes away on March 26th. Introduces the 1100 Series of liquid chromatography mass-selective detectors. The HP 1100 detectors are designed to help chemists accelerate product development cycles (e.g., the introduction of new drugs) and improve the quality of analytical results. Hewlett-Packard develops network time synchronization equipment for wired and wireless high-speed digital networks that solves many of the problems faced when transmitting data and images over telephone lines, such as fax machine line drops and modem disconnections. 1997
Acquisition of Heartstream, inc. and Heartstream Forerunner, the book-sized Fully automated external fiber separators enable trained users such as cabin crew, police, and medical resuscitation teams to respond quickly and effectively to sudden cardiac arrests. The first generation of single-chip lab-on-a-chip (lab-on-a-chip) technology brings together a large number of chemical operations on a single chip, speeding up chemical analysis, as well as drastically reducing costs and enabling the sharing of relevant digitized information. Gene Sequence Scanner: Identifies thousands of DNA variants on the surface of microchips and dramatically reduces analysis time. LumiLeds Lighting, a joint venture with Phillips, developed a group of revolutionary signaling components for the traffic light industry. Net Revenue: $42.9 billion; Employees: 121,900. 1998
The revolutionary HP 3070 Series of circuit board test systems allows manufacturers to test printed circuit boards faster and more efficiently. The HP 95000 HSM model high-speed memory test system can be used for high-volume production testing of random-access dynamic memory chips. These system-on-chips operate at 800MHz and provide memory chip manufacturers with the smallest footprint, lowest test cost and lowest risk test solution. ServiceAdvisor, a low-cost, easy-to-use, laptop-style test platform for service providers that accepts a wide range of interchangeable standards for telecom test services such as ATM messaging. The HP E6432A, a new VXI microwave synthesizer, can be used for a variety of automated tests, including field tests, avionics, communications systems and other manufacturing tests. The TestBook Wireless, a comprehensive error detection solution that facilitates technicians in the field or control room to centrally and uniformly detect error patterns and customer service information, thereby increasing technician productivity and reducing customer repair costs. Research progresses on a single-chip laboratory (lab-on-a-chip) science and technology system, a new system that allows for the amount of chemical operations to be performed on a single chip, speeding up chemical analyses and dramatically reducing costs. 1999
Hewlett-Packard announces a strategic reorganization plan that creates a stand-alone Measurement Company and a Computing and Imaging Company, with the former comprised of the Components, Test and Measurement, Chemical Analysis, and Medical Instruments business units, while the latter includes all of HP's computing, printing, and imaging businesses. At a historic branding event in San Jose, California, HP announces Agilent Technologies, Inc. as the name of the new measurement company. Initial stock trading: On November 18, 1999, Agilent was listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "A". 2000s2000
On June 2, 2000, Hewlett-Packard distributed its shares of Agilent to Hewlett-Packard shareholders, making Agilent Technologies fully independent. The Agilent photonic switching platform is introduced, accelerating the development of all-optical networks. Net operating revenues: $10.8 billion; employees: 47,000. 2001
William R. Hewlett, founder of Hewlett-Packard, passes away on January 12th. With the acquisition of Objective Systems Integration (OSI), Agilent is able to offer complete solutions to service providers offering 3G wireless, optical, broadband IP and packet voice networks and services. Philips acquires Agilent Technologies' Medical Products Division. 2002
Agilent makes its debut on the FORTUNE 500 list of America's largest companies, ranking #212. Ned Barnholt, president and CEO, becomes chairman. Agilent acquires RedSwitch, adding InfiniBand and RapidIO to Agilent's product portfolio Agilent has more than 100 million optical mouse sensors shipped worldwide. Net Revenue: $6 billion; Employees: 36,000 In 2003
Company first dotted more than 30,000 human genes on a single chip, and these products have been positively validated by many genetic customers Agilent introduces a miniature camera module for cellular telephones with photo capabilities. Agilent surpasses 200 million optical mouse sensors sold and 20 million FBAR duplexers sold. Net Revenue: $6.1 billion; Employees: 29,000 2004
Agilent's Visual Engineering Environment (VEE) Pro system development software provides a test interface for communications equipment inside the Mars Exploration Rover. In collaboration with the Translatable Genomes Research Institute, Agilent develops Comparative Genomic Hybridization, a groundbreaking application that helps identify and locate cancer-causing genetic variants. Agilent acquires Silicon Genetics, a premier provider of discovery software solutions for the life sciences, and the addition of Silicon Genetics genomic data analysis and management tools establishes Agilent as a leader in the life sciences informatics market. Net revenues: $7.2 billion; employees: 28,000. 2005
Agilent's Chairman, President and CEO Ned Barnholt retires and William P. (Bill) Sullivan succeeds him as President and CEO. Agilent enters into a joint venture with Chengdu Fengfeng Electronics and Electric Appliances Group Co. to develop and manufacture test equipment for the Chinese market. Agilent establishes Agilent Technologies (China) Investment Co., Ltd. headquartered in Shanghai to consolidate its entities in China. 2006
The key benefits of mass spectrometry testers not only contribute to the increase in application dimensions, but also enhance performance advantages. Yokogawa Analytical Systems is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Agilent Technologies. Agilent introduces the E4898A Bit Error Rate Tester (BERT), the industry's first device to operate at 100 Gb/sec. Agilent introduces the MXA signal analysis platform, one of the industry's fastest signal analyzers and one of the most accurate mid-range analyzers.