Computer Systems


3000 Selection:

1) 3000 (1972)
2) 3000 CX (1974)
3) 3000 Series II (1976)
4) 3000 Series I (1977)
5) 3000 Series III (1978)
6) 3000 Series 33 (1978)
7) 3000 Series 30 (1979)
8) 3000 Series 44 (1980)
9) 3000 Series 64 (1981)
10) 3000 Series 37 (1984)
11) 3000 Series 58 (1985)
12) 3000 Micro XE (1986)
13) 3000 Micro CX (1986)
14) 3000/950 (1986)
15) 3000 925LX (1988)
16) 3000 935 (1988)
17) 3000 Micro LX/GX/RX (1988)
18) 3000 922LX (1989)
19) 3000 9X7 (1991)
20) 3000 9X8 (1993)

 

HP entered the business mini computer market with the HP 3000 in 1972.

By 1969, HP's development of computers was at the cutting edge of the industry. HP's Cupertino Division (formerly the Palo Alto Division, and the Dymec Division before that) developed a prototype of what would have been the world's first 32-bit computer. The project was code-named "Omega". However, top management decided the project was too ambitious. The computer was expensive. HP did not have the infrastructure to sell or support it, and it would have required external debt funding. HP was also concerned about going head on against IBMs mainframe business. So, the Omega project was cancelled.

Cancellation of Omega did not go down well at the Cupertino Division. Several people took to wearing black armbands in protest/mourning. Several engineers continued working on the project after hours. Before long, a scaled-back version of the original concept was formally initiated. The new project was code named "Alpha". It was a low-cost, 16-bit general purpose business minicomputer. The new computer did not use the RTE or DOS operating systems of the 21XX family. Rather, a simple new operating system was developed that was to last over 25 years: Multi-Programming Executive (MPE). The new computer was the HP 3000.

The 3000 was launched from HP's Data Systems Division. In 1975, the General Systems Division was formed to assume responsibility for all 3000 activities. In 1980, the Computer Systems Division was formed to assume responsibility for 3000 hardware and operating system.

For manuals that are common to PA-RISC 3000 systems and 800 Series computers, please visit the product documentation page for 800 Series computers .

Beginning in the early 1990s, HP made manuals for 3000 computers (operating system, applications, languages, utilities, operation, etc) available on CD ROM (called "LaserROM" discs). Many of those manuals are posted on this site; some are not. A complete listing of MPE V manuals as of 1992 is here. A complete listing of MPE/XL manuals as of 1992 is here.

The museum has a collection of software available for download for these computers. Click here for the software listing.

Click here for a detailed look at the origins of the 3000.

Click here for a chronological listing of HP 3000 models.

Click here to see the museum's collection of 3000 computer application notes.

Click here to see the museum's collection of user group materials for 3000 systems.


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