0
To make the perfect IBM clone
0
revenue mark by 1987
0
1982-2002
Compaq was a special company, first to take on IBM succesfully and one of the main reasons why the PC market is what it is today. They have made groundbreaking computers, sometimes too far ahead for its time. In 20 years it went from a startup company, to one of the biggest players on the market, to eventually needing a merger with HP to survive.
COMPANY HISTORY
Compaq was an American computer technology company that was established in 1982 by three former Texas Instruments managers: Rod Canion, Jim Harris, and Bill Murto. Their vision was to create portable personal computers that could run all the software and peripherals designed for IBM PCs, which dominated the market at that time. Compaq achieved this by legally reverse engineering IBM's technology and producing 100% compatible clones. Compaq's first product, the Compaq Portable, was launched in 1983 and became a huge success, making Compaq the fastest-growing company in US history. Compaq continued to innovate and compete with IBM by introducing new features, such as faster processors, better graphics, and expandable memory.
Between 1983 and 1999, Compaq launched several product lines that catered to different segments of the PC market. Some of these product lines were:
The Deskpro series, which were desktop PCs for business and professional users. The first Deskpro model was released in 1984 and featured an Intel 8086 processor. Later models used Intel 80286, 80386, and 80486 processors, as well as Pentium and Pentium Pro processors.
- The Portable series, which were portable PCs that could be used as desktops when connected to a monitor and a keyboard. The first Portable model was released in 1983 and featured an Intel 8088 processor. Later models used Intel 80286 and 80386 processors, as well as LCD screens and hard disk drives.
- The LTE series, which were laptop PCs for mobile users. The first LTE model was released in 1989 and featured an Intel 80286 processor. Later models used Intel 80386, 80486, and Pentium processors, as well as color LCD screens and CD-ROM drives.
- The Presario series, which were consumer-oriented PCs that offered multimedia features and Internet access. The first Presario model was released in 1993 and featured an Intel 80486 processor. Later models used Pentium, Pentium II, Pentium III, and AMD processors, as well as DVD drives and modems.
By the early 1990s, Compaq had become the world's largest supplier of PC systems, surpassing IBM in sales and profits. However, Compaq also faced challenges from low-cost rivals like Dell, who used direct sales and customized orders to undercut Compaq's prices. In 1998, Compaq made a controversial decision to acquire Digital Equipment Corporation (DEC), a leading maker of minicomputers and servers, for $9.6 billion. The acquisition proved to be costly and difficult to integrate, and Compaq soon lost its market share and leadership position to Dell and HP. In 2002, Compaq agreed to merge with HP in a $25 billion deal that created the world's largest PC maker. The Compaq brand name was gradually phased out by HP until 2013, when it was discontinued in most markets. Today, the Compaq name is licensed to third parties for use on electronics like smart tv’s and tablets in Brazil and India.