Hewlett's Law:
A phenomenon that describes the tendency of innovative tech giants to eventually lose their edge and resort to manufacturing printers as a means of sustaining their business. The term is named after Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the earliest and most innovative companies in the tech industry, which eventually became known primarily for its printers.
As companies grow and become more established, they often become more risk-averse and less focused on innovation. This can lead to a decline in their ability to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions. Eventually, these companies may find themselves struggling to remain relevant and profitable, and may turn to more reliable revenue streams like printer manufacturing.
Hewlett's Law serves as a cautionary tale for tech companies, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a culture of innovation and staying ahead of the curve in order to avoid becoming irrelevant and relegated to manufacturing products that are seen as commodities.
A phenomenon that describes the tendency of innovative tech giants to eventually lose their edge and resort to manufacturing printers as a means of sustaining their business. The term is named after Hewlett-Packard (HP), one of the earliest and most innovative companies in the tech industry, which eventually became known primarily for its printers.
As companies grow and become more established, they often become more risk-averse and less focused on innovation. This can lead to a decline in their ability to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to changing market conditions. Eventually, these companies may find themselves struggling to remain relevant and profitable, and may turn to more reliable revenue streams like printer manufacturing.
Hewlett's Law serves as a cautionary tale for tech companies, reminding them of the importance of maintaining a culture of innovation and staying ahead of the curve in order to avoid becoming irrelevant and relegated to manufacturing products that are seen as commodities.
The fact that Xerox's name has become synonymous with copiers and printers is a testament to the power of Hewlett's Law and its ability to transform even the most innovative companies.
by Raul Terra April 26, 2023