1934
Dave Packard, a recent graduate of Stanford University with a degree in electrical engineering, and Bill Hewlett go on a two-week fishing and camping trip in the Colorado mountains. The two became close friends as they realized they agreed on many things. Bill went on to Stanford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and David got a job at General Electric. Encouraged by Fred Terman, a Stanford professor and mentor, the two decided to start a company and run it themselves.
In 1938
The Packards moved into 367 Edison 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 used his negative feedback research to develop HP's first product, a resistive acoustic oscillator (model HP 200A), an electronic instrument for testing audio equipment. The oscillator placed an incandescent light bulb into the circuit to provide a variable resistance, a breakthrough in oscillator design. Using the feedback principle, HP went on to introduce 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 movie Fantasia.
1939
The two form a partnership on New Year's Day, 1939, and decide on the name of the company by tossing a coin and naming it HP.
The Walt Disney Company used the Model HP 200B Acoustic Oscillator to test the sound equipment used in the production of the movie Fantasia. The company's test and measurement products became popular in the engineering and scientific communities. The outbreak of World War II brings orders for electronic instruments from the U.S. government flying 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 gives its employees their first bonus, a $5 Christmas bonus. The holiday bonus later became a production bonus, which evolved into a company-wide profit-sharing program.
Net revenues: $34,000; employees: 3; product lines: 8.
1942
Constructs its first building of its own (the Redwood Building) at 395 PageMill Road, Palo Alto, California, which combines offices, laboratories, and factories in 10,000 square feet. 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. 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., 104.7 MHz for FM), thereby complying with the requirements of the authority's (FCC) regulations on frequency stability of airwaves.
The company's growth objectives were clearly defined, and this objective became the basis 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 their accuracy.
Net operating income: $5.5 million; employees: 215.
1957
On Nov. 6, 1957, the company's stock went public for the first time.
1958
Net operating income: $30 million; number of employees: 1,778; product lines: 373.
1959
Breaks out of California and establishes a European marketing organization in Geneva, Switzerland, and its first overseas manufacturing facility in Boeblingen, West Germany. Hewlett-Packard maintained solid growth in the test and measurement market segment and began 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 the fast digitized waveforms widely used in computer technology.
Opened second domestic U.S. manufacturing facility 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 the Fortune 500 list of U.S. corporations, ranking No. 460.
1963
First joint venture with Yokogawa Electric Company in Tokyo: Yokogawa Hewlett-Packard Corporation.
Produces the first synthesized signal generator capable of generating electrical signals at a preset precise frequency, a major contribution to measurement automation.
1964
HP celebrates its 25th anniversary.
David Packard is elected chairman of the board, and Bill Hewlett is elected president.
Introduces the highly accurate HP5060A cesium beam time standard.
Introduces the Microwave Spectrum Analyzer as the first measurement instrument capable of direct readout and calibrated analysis of individual signals in a set of frequency bands.
1965
Hewlett-Packard acquires to join the analytical instrumentation field.
Net operating income: $165 million; employees: 9,000.
In 1966
The company's central research facility, Hewlett-Packard Laboratories, was 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 all-solid-state component oscillator is introduced, which is small, lightweight and has a large display, making it easy to use in laboratories and production areas.
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 work schedules, a practice that 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 becomes U.S. Deputy Secretary of Defense (serving from 1961 to 1971).
The first automated sample injector for chromatographic separations allows samples to be analyzed without the entire system being affected. Hewlett-Packard continued its tradition of sharp innovation. By the end of the 1970s, the company's earnings and workforce had grown so much that Bill and David turned over the day-to-day management of the company to John Young.
1970
Introduction of the fully automated microwave network analyzer, an indispensable tool in the design and manufacture of microwave systems.
Net operating income: $365 million; 16,000 employees.
1971
Laser technology is utilized to produce laser interferometers 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. HP 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 easy to operate and provided significantly better analytical results.
Logic analyzers become the tool of choice for engineers in the rapidly 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 form test systems from off-the-shelf instruments.
1977
John Young became president of Hewlett-Packard (and CEO in 1978).
1978
Engineers develop a new computer language called ECG Standard Language (ECL). One of the first artificial intelligence systems, it enabled Hewlett-Packard computer systems to analyze electrocardiograms like a doctor.
1979
Introduces the first integrated microprocessor development system, combining all the tools needed by software and hardware engineers.
Quartz capillary columns developed by Hewlett-Packard simplified the chemical analysis process, making it possible to analyze a wider variety of compounds.
New diode array detectors for chemical analysis quickly measure multiple wavelengths of light simultaneously. In an era of increasing globalization and rapid economic change, the enormous impact of computer technology in all product areas has not only improved performance and lowered production costs, but has also revolutionized the entire production process and organizational structure.
1980
The introduction of the 64-channel electrocardiographic ultrasound monitor, which operated quickly to show real-time images of the heart beat.
Net revenue: $3 billion; 57,000 employees.
1982
The Signal Data Network was the first network to transmit data so quickly that one terminal could monitor 24 hospital beds simultaneously.
1985
The world's first microprocessor-based network analyzer allows users to make quick and easy amplitude and phase measurements at near real-time speeds and through unheard-of frequency ranges.
Net revenues: $6.5 billion; employees: 85,000.
1987
Bill Hewlett retires and resigns as vice chairman of the board.
Walter Hewlett (Bill's son) and David Woodley Packard (David's son) are elected as directors of the company.
1988
Digital multimeter combines high-frequency, high-accuracy, and high-resolution voltage measurement instruments.
Develops an analyzer capable of measuring the transmission bandwidth of terahertz for use in optoelectronic communications.
1989
Hewlett-Packard celebrates its 50th anniversary.
Hewlett-Packard introduces the new Atomic Radiation Detector, the first detector capable of detecting all elements except helium by gas chromatography.
The introduction of the Test and Measurement System Language (TMSL) solves the challenge of having to write software to transfer information between different instruments in a test system.TMSL opens up a new standard for industrial messaging. As Web-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 entered the specimen preparation field with its newly developed supercritical liquid extractor.
Net operating revenues: $13.2 billion; employees: 91,500.
1991
Acquisition of Advantek broadens the company's supply of components for the global communications market.
The HP SONOS 1500 Echo Heart Recorder allows physicians to quantitatively analyze a patient's electrocardiogram instantly and non-contact via ultrasound processing.
1992
Introduces the new Atomic Clock, the world's most accurate timekeeping device for commercial use.
The Company's test set generates and detects data streams of up to 2.5 billion data bits per second, allowing telecommunications manufacturers to verify the performance of messaging equipment.
The company introduced the first protein sequencing system, a device that analyzes proteins and indels completely automatically.
Spectrum analyzer proves to be a key product in the rapidly growing field of optical communications.
New component-based oscilloscope introduced for use in the design of high-speed digital electronics.
HP SONOS 1500 Enhanced Cardiac Multiwell Imaging System is the first to automatically measure the heart's jet judgment, an important indicator of heart health.
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. Platt is elected president and chief executive officer of Hewlett-Packard.
1993
The AcceSS7 network monitoring system allows telecom customers to monitor all elements of the SS7 network from a centralized location, which greatly improves the efficiency of communications networks.
The HP 3D Surface Tension Electrophoresis Analysis System provides bioscientists with leading separation capabilities.
Launched the HP 83000 System, with which HP entered the market for testing digital integrated circuit products.
1994
Revenue reaches $25 billion.
Introduces the world's brightest LEDs (light-emitting diodes). Combining the advantages of high brightness, reliability and low power consumption, it replaced incandescent lamps in many applications.
Establishes 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 rose to become an industry standard. The first system to test ATMs and ISDN networks, it brought together for the first time test results from all levels of the complex ISDN network, helping industry to prove that these new technologies could form the basis of an information superhighway capable of transmitting voice, data, images and video.
The first pulsed oximetry device 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 pursue further cardiac-control therapies when measuring the heartbeat.
1995
Using decades of experience with quartz technology and cesium time standards, the Synchronized Clock System was developed to enable networks to provide higher levels of accuracy and reliability in delivering new digital services for voice, data, and video communications.
The introduction of the industry's first low-cost, high-speed, compact infrared transceiver enables wireless point-and-shoot data exchange between a wide range of portable computing applications such as telephones, computers, printers, cash registers, and digital cameras for automated teller machines.
The HP 6890 family of gas chromatography systems offers a high level of performance and simple push-button control, easing administrative 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 facilitates the use of sophisticated ATM technology.
To develop the concept of "Open Healthcare Facilities for Multiple*** Use," HP organized the Andover Working Group to define, develop, and implement a standard solution and to share the resulting information with healthcare organizations.
1996
David Packard, co-founder of Hewlett-Packard, dies on March 26th.
Introduction of 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.
Network time synchronization equipment developed by HP for wired and wireless high-speed digital networks solves many of the problems faced when transmitting data and images over telephone lines, such as fax machine line drops and modem disconnections.
1997
Acquiring Heartstream, Inc. and the Heartstream Forerunner, the book-sized, fully-automated, external fiber separator enables trained users such as cabin crews, police officers, and medical resuscitation teams to respond quickly and efficiently to sudden cardiac arrests.
The first generation of "lab-on-a-chip" technology brought together a large number of chemical operations on a single chip, speeding up chemical analyses, dramatically lowering costs, and enabling the sharing of digitized information.
Gene Sequence Scanner: Identifies thousands of DNA variants on the surface of a microchip and dramatically reduces analysis time.
LumiLeds Lighting, a joint venture with Phillips, has developed a group of revolutionary signaling components for the traffic light industry.
Net revenues: $42.9 billion; employees: 121,900.
1998
The revolutionary HP 3070 Series circuit board test system 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.
The ServiceAdvisor, a low-cost, easy-to-use "tablet" test platform for service providers, 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 wide range of automated tests, including field tests, avionics, communications systems, and other manufacturing tests. The TestBook Wireless is a comprehensive error detection solution that makes it easy for technicians in the field or in the control room to centrally and uniformly detect error patterns and customer service information, thereby increasing technician productivity. The TestBook Wireless is a comprehensive error detection solution that allows technicians in the field or in the control room to centralize and consolidate error detection methods and customer service information, thereby increasing technician productivity and reducing customer repair costs.
Research progresses on a "lab-on-a-chip" technology system that allows for a single chip to be used for quantitative chemical operations, speeding up chemical analysis and dramatically reducing costs.
1999
Hewlett-Packard announced a strategic reorganization plan to create a separate Measurement Company, comprised of the Components, Test and Measurement, Chemical Analysis, and Medical Instruments business units, and a Computing and Imaging Company, comprised of all of HP's computing, printing, and imaging businesses.
At a historic brand identity launch in San Jose, California, HP announced 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". 2000
On June 2, 2000, HP distributed its shares of Agilent to HP shareholders, making Agilent Technologies fully independent.
Agilent's photonic switching platform is introduced, accelerating the development of all-optical networks.
Net operating revenues: $10.8 billion; employees: 47,000.
2001
Hewlett-Packard founder William R. Hewlett 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 is named to the Fortune 500 list of America's largest companies for the first time, ranking No. 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
The 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 surpassed 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 in the Mars Exploration Rover. communications equipment within the Mars Exploration Rover.
In collaboration with the Translatable Genomes Research Association, Agilent developed Comparative Genomic Hybridization, a groundbreaking application that helps identify and locate cancer-causing genetic variants.
Agilent acquired 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 positions Agilent as a leader in the life science 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 & Electric Appliances Group Co. Ltd. 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 technology testers not only facilitate an increase in the application level, but also enhance the performance benefits.
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.
In 2007
Agilent further strengthened its position in life sciences research and diagnostics with the acquisition of Stratagene, a global public company. Also in 2007, Agilent acquired Velocity11, a life sciences laboratory automation and robotics company; Adaptif, which specializes in optical testing; Kalabie, an information business that provides electronic laboratory laptops; and NetworkFab, which provides signal intelligence and communications systems primarily for aerospace/defense.
Agilent introduced the 7890A gas chromatograph. the 7890A gas chromatograph platform. This product is uniquely designed to intelligently handle the flow of microplates within the gas chromatograph chamber to support new applications and dramatically increase enterprise productivity.
Once introduced, the Agilent E6651A became known worldwide as an integrated mobile WiMAX test set, enabling designers and manufacturers of mobile WiMAX subscriber products to move quickly from product development to high-volume production - reducing enterprise costs while improving the integrity and quality of WiMAX devices.
2008
Agilent and solar company SunPower are working on a solar tracking system with up to one megawatt of power at Agilent's Santa Rosa, Calif. campus. Once Sonoma County has this largest solar power generator, it could reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 90 million pounds over the next three decades, which is equivalent to the emissions of about 7,500 cars.
Agilent has introduced the 6230 Precision Mass Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) System. The device detects and characterizes compounds down to 2 ppt, making it a powerful tool for food safety, toxicology and other trace compound determination applications.
Agilent introduced GeneSpring, a single software platform for multi-omics data analysis, and the industry's first 50 GHz spectrum analyzer.
Agilent introduced the PNA-X series of measurement receivers. This product is the fastest receiver available for antenna testing applications. At the same time, it sets a new standard for the industry with a 30 percent faster data acquisition rate (i.e., four hundred thousand simultaneous data points per second across five receiver channels) than other products in its class.
Agilent introduced a PXB MIMO receiver tester that enables faster and more accurate multiple-input multiple-output testing early in the design phase. It provides optimal simulation in real-world environments, which greatly reduces development cycles.
In 2009
The Life Sciences and Chemical Analysis business groups were split into the Chemical Analysis and Life Sciences business groups. Agilent has since been organized into three business groups: Life Sciences, Chemical Analysis and Electronic Measurement.
Agilent introduced the PSG E8257D, the industry's first analog signal generator to break the 1-watt output power mark, a high-output device that eliminates the need for external amplifiers, couplers, and oscilloscopes, among other complementary hardware.
Agilent's N4391A, the first industrial optical signal modulation analyzer, closes the gap in the field of phase and frequency test measurements of optical signals at 40/100G wavelengths.
Agilent introduced a PCI Express (Interference Transmitter) for serial bus protocol testing. This groundbreaking Express(r) (PCIe) bus emulation test concept is the only tool in the industry that allows developers to shorten test cycles and accelerate time-to-market.
Agilent introduced the 1290 Infinity Liquid Chromatograph, the industry's most powerful, sensitive and flexible liquid chromatography system with the industry's strongest separation capabilities available today, enabling faster separation performance.
Agilent's direct-drive robotic arm won the Laboratory Automation Alliance's Best of the Best award. The arm's standalone automation features and software powerfully advance drug discovery research and genetic applications. 2010
Agilent acquired Varian, the largest acquisition in the company's history. Most of Varian's product lines were consolidated into the Chemical Analysis business group, while the Life Sciences business group added significant businesses, including NMR*** vibration.
Agilent has launched a collaboration with the National Center for Food Safety and Technology (NCFST) to develop new scientific approaches to food testing to analyze foodborne illness and food quality. As part of the collaboration, Agilent provides NCFST with powerful chemical analysis and life science instrumentation, as well as training and applications support.
2011
Agilent became the first industry partner of the newly established Institute for Synthetic Biology at the University of California, Berkeley, through a partnership.
2012
Agilent and the Institute of Advanced Technology of the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) jointly established the USTC-Agilent Experimental Center.