View source for HP 3000

{{Short description|Family of 16-bit and 32-bit minicomputers}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2020}}
[[File:HP 3000 Series III.jpg|thumb|HP 3000 Series III]]
The '''HP 3000''' series<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bitsavers.org/pdf/hp/3000/hp3000/5952-4431_HP3000_Summary_Description_Feb73.pdf|title=HP 3000 Computer System summary description|publisher=Hewlett-Packard|date=February 1973}}</ref> is a family of [[16-bit computing|16-bit]] and [[32-bit computing|32-bit]] [[minicomputer]]s from [[Hewlett-Packard]].<ref>Computerworld, [https://books.google.com/books?id=TgGty5HMPj0C&pg=RA1-PA6 "Midis Challenge Medium-Size Systems"], June 25, 1975, p. S/6.</ref> It was designed to be the first minicomputer with full support for [[time-sharing]] in the hardware and the [[operating system]], features that had mostly been limited to [[mainframe]]s, or retrofitted to existing systems like [[Digital Equipment Corporation|Digital's]] [[PDP-11]], on which [[RSTS/E]], [[Interactive Application System|IAS]], and [[Unix]] were implemented. First introduced in 1972, the last models reached end-of-life in 2010, making it among the longest-lived machines of its generation.

The original HP 3000 hardware was withdrawn from the market in 1973 to address performance problems and OS stability. After reintroduction in 1974, it went on to become a reliable and powerful business system, one that regularly won HP business from companies that had been using [[IBM]]'s mainframes. Hewlett-Packard's initial naming referred to the computer as the System/3000, and then called it the HP 3000.

The HP 3000 originally used a 16-bit [[complex instruction set computer|CISC]] [[stack machine]] processor architecture, first implemented with [[Transistor-transistor logic]], and later with [[Silicon on Sapphire]] chips beginning with the Series 33 in 1979.<ref>{{cite journal|url=https://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1976-08.pdf|date=August 1976|volume=27|number=12|journal=Hewlett-Packard Journal|title=Series II General-Purpose Computer Systems: Designed for Improved Throughput and Reliability|author=Leonard E. Shar|access-date=2021-12-29}}</ref><ref name="hp-sos" /> In the early 1980s, HP began development of a new [[RISC]] processor, which emerged as the [[PA-RISC]] platform. The HP 3000 CPU was reimplemented as an [[emulator]] running on PA-RISC and a recompiled version of the [[HP Multi-Programming Executive|MPE]] [[operating system]]. The RISC-based systems were known as the "XL" versions, while the earlier CISC models retroactively became the "Classic" series. The two sold in tandem for a short period, but the XL series largely took over in 1988. Identical machines running [[HP-UX]] instead of MPE XL were known as the [[HP 9000]].

HP initially announced the systems would be designated to be at [[end-of-life (product)|end-of-life]] at HP in 2006, but extended that several times to 2010. The systems are no longer built or supported by the manufacturer, although independent companies support the systems.

==History==
===HP 2000===
{{main|HP 2100}}

While looking for a computer system to control ever-more-complex test equipment, HP briefly considered buying [[Digital Equipment Corporation]] (DEC). They were ultimately unimpressed with [[Ken Olsen]]'s demands and did not attempt a deal.{{sfn|Leibson|2017}} They later found a small company, DSI, working for [[Union Carbide]], that had essentially "stretched" DEC's [[PDP-8]] from 12 to 16-bits. HP purchased DSI and merged it into its Dymec division. The DSI design became the basis for the [[HP 2100|HP 2116A]], introduced in 1966, initially marketed as a "test and instrumentation computer".{{sfn|Crosby|1995a|p=9}}

To their surprise, HP found that the machine was selling well in the business market and other non-lab uses.{{sfn|Crosby|1995a|pp=9-10}} This led to a series of updated versions with better [[input/output]] to handle business workflows while removing some of the expansion capability needed only in the lab setting. The much smaller 2114 was particularly popular in non-lab settings.{{sfn|Crosby|1995b|pp=2, 4}} All of the 211x models were later updated to use semiconductor memory instead of [[Magnetic-core memory|core memory]], leading to the 2100 family of 1971.{{sfn|Crosby|1995b|p=6}}

In 1968, the line was expanded with the HP 2000, a series of machines that were made up of collections of parts from the HP 211x lines, with most systems using a low-end 2114 CPU as a [[terminal controller]] and high-end CPU like the 2116 as the main processor. The systems ran [[HP Time-Shared BASIC]] and could support between 16 and 32 users simultaneously depending on the model. The machines were an immediate success, quickly becoming one of the best-selling systems in the [[time-sharing]] market, and propelling HP to become the third-largest [[minicomputer]] vendor.{{sfn|Crosby|1995b|p=6}}

===Alpha and Omega===
As the success of the HP 2000 series became clear, in 1969 the designers in Cupertino Lab decided to begin the development of machines dedicated to the office role, as opposed to the HP 2000, which was made up of various bits and pieces never originally designed for the task. Two basic systems were outlined, the "Alpha" was essentially an HP 2100 built using newer components and improved memory handling, while "Omega" was a much larger 32-bit design that would support large numbers of users.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=17}}

Initially, the two systems were to be released at about the same time. However, almost all development took place within Omega, and few, if any, engineers were active on Alpha during 1969. In contrast to the 16-bit Alpha, Omega would be a [[32-bit computer]] with up to 4&nbsp;MB of [[main memory]] shared among up to four [[central processing unit]]s (CPUs). The CPUs were designed to be programmed in a [[high level language]], like the successful models from [[Burroughs Corporation|Burroughs]] that were programmed in a custom [[systems programming language]] rather than [[assembler (computing)|assembler]]. Support for [[multiprogramming]] and [[memory protection]] would be built in.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=17}}

As development continued, the project appeared to be too large for HP to complete using internal funding. This would require the company to take on external debt, which management considered too risky. In the fall of 1970, Tom Perkins was promoted to Corporate Development and decided to cancel the Omega project. This resulted in several employees wearing black-velvet armbands to mourn the death of the project, and some dismay over being reassigned to "just another 16-bit machine."{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=17}}

By this time, the small amount of development on Alpha had changed the nature of the project significantly. Originally conceived as an updated HP 2100, it had become essentially a small Omega, adopting its [[virtual memory]] and [[stack machine]] design that supported high level languages, but limited to a 16-bit design with a maximum of 64&nbsp;kWord main memory (128&nbsp;kB), only a single [[accumulator (computing)|accumulator]], and lacking Omega's powerful input/output systems.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=17}}

When the plan to continue the development of Alpha was presented, George Newman, who replaced Perkins as the General Manager of the computer division, was concerned that the team was once again designing a machine that could not be delivered. Management was eventually convinced of the merits of the design, and the External Reference Specifications were published in July 1970.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=17}}

===MPE===
Prior minicomputers were generally used in a fashion similar to modern [[microcomputer]]s, used by a single user, and often dedicated to a single particular task like operating machinery. This was true for many contemporary designs like the [[PDP-8]] and [[Data General Nova]]. It was the HP 2000's ability to perform timesharing that made it a success in a market filled with otherwise similar machines. The ability to support multiple users running different programs was previously limited to [[mainframe]] computers, and a further expansion of this capability was a key design concept for the original Omega.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=21}}

When Alpha emerged as an Omega-like design, it initially followed the same model of multi-user support, which was in turn based on the HP 2000 concept. In this model, the main CPU does not handle user interaction, which is the task of the front-end processor. This allows the main [[operating system]] to be greatly simplified, simply loading up user programs as they appear from the front-end, running them in a round-robin fashion with other users' programs, and then delivering the results. In most respects this was a [[batch processing]] system, with much of the complexity of multi-user support being isolated in the separate front-end processor.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=21}}

As development re-started on Alpha, this concept was re-examined and the decision was made to expand the operating system to support multiprogramming directly. This resulted in the system becoming three-in-one, with the main portion being dedicated to timesharing but also offering real-time support and batch mode. The resulting system, ultimately known as [[HP Multi-Programming Executive|Multi-Programming Executive]] (MPE), would be among the most advanced of its era.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=21}} When the ten groups within the operating system team came together to describe their section of the system, they found that it was too large to fit in memory, let alone have room for user programs. To make it fit, the programmers began a marathon effort to shrink the system requirements.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=23}}

===Announcement and initial marketing===
The system was announced at the [[Joint Computer Conference#Fall Joint Computer Conference|Fall Joint Computer Conference]] in November 1971.{{efn|Edler states this was at Anaheim,{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=23}} but the 1971 conference was actually held in Las Vegas, November 16–18.}} By early 1972, the system was up and running with three prototype machines completed. However, MPE development was by this time far behind schedule. This led to a February 1972 memo outlining the development schedule with various features being delivered over time.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=24}} Ultimately the realtime support was dropped, and none of the dates on the memo were met.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=25}}

Meanwhile, a turf war had broken out between the engineering lab and the marketing department, who were actively trying to sell the system. It got to the point where "People from marketing were banned from the lab."{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=26}} Engineers continued to provide performance estimates to marketing, which would pass these along to customers, even though the engineers were aware they were inaccurate.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=26}}

Increasing concern among upper management led to the May 1972 formation of the Systems Management Group, who would work within the engineering labs as an internal marketing team and drive the development according to customer needs. Among the changes implemented, Jim Peachy was hired to do performance testing on the system. Peachy had previously worked on the first timesharing systems at [[Dartmouth College]], and had since worked at [[General Electric]] and [[Memorex]]. After only three days he pronounced that there was "absolutely no way" the machine would meet the performance requirements being quoted by sales.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=30}}

===First deliveries, recall===
As a result of the MPE delays, the ship date was pushed back from August to November 1972, and MPE was reduced solely to timesharing support, with additional features slated to arrive through 1973.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=30}}

The November date was held firm, and eventually, someone put up posters claiming "November is a happening", referring to the contemporary "[[happening]]" movement in [[performance art]].{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=30}} The first machine was shipped to the [[Lawrence Hall of Science]] in [[Berkeley, California|Berkeley]] on November 1, although as one engineer, Frank Hublou, noted, "they should have put it on the truck, drove it around the block, and brought the machine back."{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=30}}

After setup, it was found the machine would only support one or two users before slowing to a crawl, and it crashed every 10 to 20 minutes. Hublou's statement came true when the machine was "immediately returned."{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=34}} In a training session that December, a new version of MPE was able to run four users and crashed only once every two hours. The system was continually patched to keep it running as new bugs were found.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=34}} Machines continued to be shipped, both to customers as well as companies that were considering purchases. These invariably ended poorly, unable to support more than four users. The schedule for MPE features continued to be pushed back,{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=34}} and the estimated number of machine sales continued to be reduced.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=38}}

By this time, the development of an HP 2000 replacement had been underway for 5 years and had cost the company $20 million. The problems were not going unnoticed and ultimately ended up with [[Bill Hewlett]]. Hewlett asked Barney Oliver to take over the division, but he refused, and Paul Ely was sent instead in his place. Ely quickly ended production of the machines and, in a move still mentioned in historical works to this day, recalled all of the machines that had been shipped out. [[Dave Packard]] sent a memo to everyone on the team, today known simply as the "Wow Ouch memo".{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=38}}

[[Ed McCracken]] went back to the customers and told them point-blank that the machines would not be available until the fall of 1973, and that the machines would only support four to six users. Some accepted the offer of an HP 2000 in place of their orders, while others broke down and cried.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=38}} One customer threatened to sue the company, but were put off by the personal intervention of Hewlett who stated he would do everything in his power to fix the problems.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=39}}

===Re-release===
The system then entered a six-month period of redevelopment of both MPE and the hardware. MPE emerged as MPE-8, officially ending real-time support. The hardware improved to run about 30% faster than the original model and was priced 20% less. As a result of these changes, the new system was able to run eight users.{{efn|For comparison, high-end versions of the HP 2000 were able to run 32 users, slowly.}} Shipping re-started in November, a year after the original date.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=39}}

After another year, an updated version shipped. This new "CX" model replaced [[core memory]] with [[semiconductor memory]] and replaced the [[wire wrap]]ped CPU boards with surface mounted components. MPE-C added [[COBOL]] and [[IBM RPG|RPG]] languages, perhaps the first mini to offer the former. As part of the CX release, HP shipped [[TurboIMAGE|IMAGE]], a $10,000 [[database]] system written to the [[CODASYL]] standards. This was later bundled with the systems for free. IMAGE is the primary reason the HP 3000 eventually became a success.{{sfn|Edler|1995|p=41}}

==Overview==
Early 3000 models had large cabinets with front panels, while later models were made that fit into desks using only terminal consoles for diagnostics, with bootstrap routines in ROM. By 1984 HP introduced the HP3000 Series 37, the first model that ran in offices without special cooling or flooring requirements.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2012/08/my-first-3000-steps-were-chasing-a-mouse.html |title=3000 NewsWire: First 3000 steps: chasing HP's Mighty Mouse |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2012-08-21 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> Models ranged from a system sometimes used by a single user, to models that supported over 2,000 users.

The HP 3000 was one of the last proprietary minicomputer systems whose manufacture was curtailed by its vendor, outlasting the [[PDP-11]]-descended [[Digital Equipment Corporation]] [[VAX]], which was acquired by Compaq and then ultimately by [[Hewlett-Packard]]. After almost 30 years, a five-year phase-out period for the now-named HP e3000 series servers was originally announced in November 2001. HP then extended this phase-out period twice.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2007/09/hp-extends-its-.html |title=3000 NewsWire: HP extends 3000 support through 2010 |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> No more new e3000s are being sold by HP, although used systems continue to be sold for upgrades on a third-party reseller market. Support from HP to customers for the HP 3000 continued through December 31, 2010. Many third party firms continue to support the system for customers throughout the world. Some customers continue to use the HP 3000 in companies worldwide, especially in manufacturing and e-commerce industries,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2010/07/a-bakers-dozen-more-years-of-3000-use.html |title=3000 NewsWire: A Baker's Dozen More Years of 3000 Use |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2010-07-07 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> while others have migrated to business server systems made by HP and others.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2010/12/34-colleges-start-testing-3000-migration-code.html |title=3000 NewsWire: 34 colleges start testing 3000 migration code |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2010-12-23 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref>

For those unable or unwilling to migrate, a homesteading strategy emerged immediately after HP's announcement of the end of system sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robelle.com/homestead.html |title=Staying on the HP 3000 |publisher=Robelle |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> In 2012, the Stromasys company released a product doing full HP3000 hardware emulation on [[x86-64]] servers running [[Red Hat Linux]] or [[CentOS]].<ref name="Stromasys">{{cite web|url=http://www.stromasys.com/solutions/charon-hpa/ |title=Charon-HPA: Virtual HP3000 |publisher=Stromasys.ch |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> That product operates as a virtualized instance of the HP 3000 server hardware. Starting in 2003, HP began a plan to sell a license for the 3000's operating system,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.3000newswire.com/subscribers/Emulator-03Mar.html |title=HP proposes new MPE emulator licenses |publisher=3000newswire.com |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> which can let 3000 customers run their software on this Stromasys product, known as the HPA/3000.

== Software pioneering ==

The key development that led to the tremendous success of the HP 3000 was the bundling of the HP-developed network database management system ([[Database#Database management system|DBMS]]) called IMAGE (now called [[TurboIMAGE]]/SQL) that was reputedly inspired by the TOTAL DBMS developed by [[Cincom Systems|Cincom Systems, Inc.]] IMAGE was an award-winning database anointed by ''Datamation'' within two years of the database's introduction.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2007/07/hp-list-starts-.html |title=3000 NewsWire: HP list starts to list toward history |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2007-07-30 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> It was the first database management system included with a business-class minicomputer. By bundling IMAGE with the server, HP created an ecosystem of applications and development utilities that could rely upon IMAGE as a data repository in any HP 3000.

== Classic memory segments and 64K barrier ==

Code ([[Reentrancy (computing)|reentrant]]) and data reside in separate variable-length segments, which are 32,768 "halfwords" (16-bit words) (or, 65,536 bytes). The operating system, known as [[HP Multi-Programming Executive|MPE]] (for Multi-Programming Executive), loads code segments from program files and segmented [[Library (computing)#Shared|Library]] (SL) files as needed, up to 256 segments in one process.

There could be as much as 64KB of memory in a code segment, but calling a routine was based on segment number and routine number within a segment, so a program could theoretically have about 32,385 routines. With 8 bits to specify segment, and 16 bits within a segment a program could have effectively have a 24 bit address or 16MB. This was compared to most 16 bit computers like the PDP-11 or IBM System/34 that had 64KB of address space for code and data. The bigger limitation was the data segment and stack segment, which were also 64KB. Shared library routines did not permit cross-process global data since each process had its own data segment. Some procedures worked around this by requiring the caller to pass in an array from their own stack or data segment to hold all state information, similar to modern object-oriented languages where methods are applied to objects passed and allocated by the caller.

A process could allocate and use multiple extra data segments (XDS) of up to 64KB each. While the Classic architecture imposed a limit of 65,535 extra data segments system-wide, other limitations would usually restrict that to a somewhat smaller limit.

Systems programming was done in SPL (System Programming Language), an [[ALGOL]]-like language, but allowing inline assembler, and other direct access to the [[instruction set]]. The standard terminals for the HP 3000 were the [[HP 2640]] series, which supported block mode data entry from forms (like IBM's mainframe-based [[CICS]]), as well as character mode. By the 1980s the computer had gained the ability to use both PCs and Macs as system terminals.

== Classic and PA-RISC 3000 hardware ==

The HP 3000 family's generations were divided into the "Classic" ([[16-bit]]) and then "XL" (later IX – [[32-bit]]) families following the introduction of systems based on HP's [[PA-RISC]] chips for 3000s in early 1987. These newer XL systems were not binary compatible with the Classics, but would transparently run Classic code via an emulator, one that HP integrated into the MPE XL operating system. (Classic code could optionally be translated to native PA-RISC code via OCTCOMP, the Object Code Translator/COMPiler ... such code ran at native speed, but was still subject to Classic stack and memory size limitations).

The earlier "Classic" machines were based on a custom [[Complex instruction set computer|CISC]] processor. From about 1988 onward, HP 3000s using PA-RISC processors began shipping in volume. By 1995 these PA-RISC systems effectively displaced the older family of machines from use. As with all technology shifts, there remained a significant residue of older machines in service. Even today, original Classic 3000s work in production in a few locations.

HP 3000 and many HP 9000 machines used the [[HP Precision Bus]].

The PA-RISC based HP 3000's operating system was written primarily in Modcal, HP's extended version of [[Pascal (programming language)|Pascal]]. Large portions of the earlier MPE V operating system, written in SPL, are still used as part of MPE XL and MPE/iX on PA-RISC. A few subsystems (e.g., TurboIMAGE) are written in PSPL (Portable SPL). A small portion of MPE XL and MPE/iX is written in PA-RISC assembly language.

The 3000 series operating system was originally styled the [[Multi-Programming Executive]], MPE (later called MPE XL and then, after [[POSIX]] compliance was added in versions 5.0-5.5, MPE/iX). The earliest versions of the system used only HP's proprietary SPL systems programming language and [[BASIC]]. These System 3000s used a [[command-line interpreter]], with a three-level hierarchical file system, and utilities such as compilers would resemble "run fortran.pub.sys" rather than allowing programs to be run as keyword commands. Later the systems gained a wide range of languages including [[COBOL]] and [[Fortran|FORTRAN]], Pascal, [[C (programming language)|C]], and even a version of [[IBM RPG|RPG]] to assist in winning business away from [[IBM]].

People who used the HP 3000 noticed from the 1970s onward that machines were more reliable compared to other mainframe and minicomputers of the time.<ref name="3000newswire.blogs.com">{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2012/09/3000-memoir-project-jousts-with-ibm.html |title=3000 NewsWire: 3000 Memoir Project: Jousts with IBM |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2012-09-27 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> The ability to recover from power failures - automatically and seamlessly when power was restored - was a notable feature that sold many systems versus IBM computers.<ref>{{cite journal|title=My easy magic made mainframes look hard|author=Paul Edwards|journal=3000 Newswire|date=August 2012|url=https://workshopwriter.com/seybold.me/3000newswire/NewsWireAug12.pdf|page=20}}</ref> At times the HP 3000 suffered from peripheral support delays or gaps caused by HP's decision to delay supporting, or not support at all, some peripherals on the HP 3000 platform—some of which were supported on the identical HP 9000 hardware.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://docs.hp.com/en/30216-90286/ch03s04.html|title=Announcing DLT4000/DLT7000 Differential Tape Support on MPE/IX|author1=Larry Nichoalds|author2=Jim Hawkins|date=July 1999|publisher=Hewlett-Packard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050330034924/http://docs.hp.com/en/30216-90286/ch03s04.html|archive-date=March 30, 2005}}</ref>

== Use of stack instead of registers ==

Most current computer instruction sets are based on a [[general-purpose register]] model. The processor and memory architecture of the classic HP 3000 were based on a [[stack machine]] model, like HP's well-known line of [[Reverse Polish notation|RPN]] calculators. It was said{{By whom|date=October 2023}} to be inspired by the famous stack-based [[Burroughs Large Systems]]. Rather than having a small number of registers, for example only an AX and BX register in the case of the [[HP 1000]], operands would be pushed on the same stack used to store local variables and [[return statement|return address]]es. So rather than

<syntaxhighlight lang="asm">
LOAD AX, 0X0001
LOAD BX, 0X0002
ADD AX, BX
</syntaxhighlight>

you would have

<syntaxhighlight lang="asm">
LDI 1
LDI 2
ADD
</syntaxhighlight>

The 16-bit [[microcode]]d machines (Series I, II, III, 30, 33, 39, 40, 42, 44, 48, 52, 58, 64, 68, 70, 37, ...) implement a [[word addressing|16-bit word addressed]], [[byte addressing|byte-addressable]], segmented with separate code and data segments, [[stack machine|stack]] [[instruction set architecture]] (ISA). Most of the ~214 instructions are 16 bits wide. Stack operations pack 2 per 16-bit word and the remaining few are 32 bits wide.

CISC implementations
* III: 4 top of stack registers, 175&nbsp;ns microinstruction cycle time → 5.7&nbsp;MHz
* 30, 33: [[silicon on sapphire]],<ref name="hp-sos">{{cite journal|url=https://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1979-09.pdf|date=September 1979|volume=30|number=9|journal=Hewlett-Packard Journal|title=SOS Technology Yields Low-Cost HP 3000 Computer System|author=Richard C. Edwards|access-date=2021-12-29|archive-date=January 18, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240118062937/https://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1979-09.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> 2 top of stack registers, 90&nbsp;ns microinstruction cycle time → 11&nbsp;MHz, instructions take 3-7 cycles
* 40, 42, 44, 48: Schottky [[Transistor-transistor logic|TTL]], 4 top of stack registers, 105&nbsp;ns microinstruction cycle time → 9.5&nbsp;MHz
* 64, 68: [[Emitter-coupled logic|ECL]], 8 top of stack registers, 75&nbsp;ns microinstruction cycle time → 13&nbsp;MHz, 8KB cache, 60KB [[Microprogram#Writable control store|WCS]], 2 16-bit ALUs
* 37: ~8,000-gate [[CMOS]] [[gate array]], 4 top of stack registers

Later 32-bit models used HP's PA-RISC general register-based RISC architecture.

PA-RISC implementations
* PA-RISC 1.0 Series 925, 930, 935, 949, 950, 955, 960, 980
* PA-RISC 1.1 Series 917, 920, 922, 927, 937, 947, 948, 957, 958, 967, 977sx, 987, 990, 991, 992, 995, 918, 928, 968, 978, 988
* PA-RISC 2.0 Series 996, A and N class and the 9x9 series

== HP's exit from the 3000 ecosystem ==

After the enterprise computing market shifted toward commodity [[Unix]] systems from a wide range of vendors—systems that HP had also been promoting—in November 2001 Hewlett-Packard announced that a period it called the [[end-of-life (product)|end-of-life]] for the HP 3000 would wrap up at the end of 2006, and that no new systems would be sold by HP after 2003. In early 2006, Hewlett-Packard announced that limited vendor support for the HP 3000 would be extended by two years for certain clients or geographic regions. In September 2007, HP once more extended its support for the systems, offering Mature Product Support without Sustaining Engineering (ending its creation of software patches). Some patches had been built and tested inside HP, but lacked customer base testing by the end of 2008. HP made these patches available after the end of 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.hp.com/products1/evolution/e3000/download/HPe3000BetaPatchList101215.xls |title=Beta Patch List |format=Excel spreadsheet |website=Hewlett-Packard |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140601055112/https://www.hp.com/products1/evolution/e3000/download/HPe3000BetaPatchList101215.xls |archive-date=2014-06-01 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2011, HP had extended a special provision to 3000 customers that granted them free access to patches,<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2010/12/hp-opens-patch-update-door-for-3000.html |title=3000 NewsWire: HP opens patch, diagnostics door for 2011 |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> unlike the rest of HP enterprise line, which was forced in 2010 to adopt a "pay for patching" support program instead of free patches.

== Independent support ==

A group of independent vendors has assumed systems and software support for existing customers who have left the ranks of HP's 3000 support business. Several have pledged to continue support for their own software until customers stop using the server. Others, offering comprehensive support, are citing 2016 and later as their end of support dates.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2010/01/3000-news-from-some-of-your-futures.html |title=3000 NewsWire: 3000 News for Some of Your Futures |publisher=3000newswire.blogs.com |date=2010-01-28 |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> A consultants directory is maintained by Robelle Software,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.robelle.com/consultants.html |title=Robelle Consultants Corner |publisher=Robelle.com |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> and other independent consultants are available through a listing at the OpenMPE website.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://openmpe.wordpress.com/hp-3000-consultants/ |title=HP 3000 Consultants &#124; OpenMPE News |date=May 20, 2010 |publisher=Openmpe.wordpress.com |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref> Open source software resources, including commodity tools, for the 3000's MPE/iX operating system are maintained in a website by Applied Technologies.<ref>{{cite web|author=Brian Edminster |url=http://MPE-OpenSource.org |title=Welcome to THE portal for Free and Open Source software for your HP3000! |publisher=MPE-OpenSource |access-date=2013-03-21}}</ref>

The HP 3000 has enjoyed one of the longest lifetimes for any business computer system. These enterprise-grade computers have outlasted the highly regarded [[PDP-11]] and [[VAX]] series, although [[OpenVMS]] operating system is still being offered on [[DEC Alpha|Alpha]], [[IA-64]], and [[x86-64]] based systems.

In January 2012, Stromasys announced the development of Charon/HPA-3000, which enables secure transfer of HP3000 systems to a state-of-the-art environment. Stromasys's solution virtualizes the hardware of an existing HP3000 system, and enables the MPE/iX operating system, third-party applications, and user-developed software to run without any modification whatsoever, on industry-standard Intel servers. Their offering includes a two-user evaluation copy delivered in a [[VMWare]] package.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stromasys.com/solutions/charon-hpa/|title=CHARON-HPA: Virtual HP 3000|publisher=Stromasys}}</ref>

Multiple independent vendors have purchased HP3000's Operating System Source Code,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://3000newswire.blogs.com/3000_newswire/2010/02/hp-announces-source-code-licensees.html|title = HP announces source code licensees}}</ref> MPE/iX and are committed to supporting both hardware and software solutions for HP3000 systems.

Beechglen Development, Inc. began hosting HP3000 systems in 2002. In 2012 Beechglen introduced HP3000 compatible custom fibre channel disc arrays using current technology SSD and SATA hard drives, effectively replacing SCSI tape and SCSI disc devices. As of January 2020, Beechglen is the only vendor that has developed and offers 2028 MPE CALENDAR intrinsic patches for the MPE/iX Operating system allowing intrinsic dates beyond December 31, 2027. They continue evaluating and testing third-party applications for compatibility.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.beechglen.com/2027-patches-release-2017-12-12/|title = MPE/IX Release 7.5 Patch Revision 2028 – Beechglen Development Inc}}</ref>

== Relative performance of HP 3000 systems ==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="width: 60%; height: 200px;"
|+Relative HP 3000 System Performance<ref>{{cite web|url=https://raven.utc.edu/cgi-bin/WA.EXE?A2=ind1705A&L=HP3000-L&P=R1136|title=	Re: AICS Research Relative Performance Chart|publisher=HP3000-L Mailing List|date=2017-05-04 |access-date=2021-05-27|quote=Only accessible from networks inside the U.S.A.}}</ref>
|-
! HP 3000 System || Relative Performance
|- 
| Series 30, 33 || 0.5
|-
| Series III || 0.6
|-
| Series 37, 37XE || 0.6
|-
| Micro 3000 RX || 1.3
|-
| Micro 3000 GX, LX, RX || 1.3
|-
| Series 39, 40, 44 || 1.0
|-
| Series 42, 48 || 1.3
|-
| Series 42XP, 52, 58 || 1.7
|-
| Series 64 || 3.2
|-
| Series 68 || 4.0
|-
| Series 70 || 4.4
|-
| Series 920 || 1.9
|-
| Series 922 || 3.2
|-
| Series 932 || 5.0
|-
| Series 948 || 10.7
|-
| Series 958 || 13.3
|-
| Series 925 || 2.9
|-
| Series 935 || 5.9
|-
| Series 949 || 11.7
|-
| Series 950 || 6.5
|-
| Series 955 || 10
|-
| Series 960 || 14.7
|-
| Series 980/100 || 22.0
|-
| Series 980/200 || 37.0
|-
| Series 980/300 || 49.0
|-
| Series 980/400 || 59.0
|-
| Series 917LX || 10.0
|-
| Series 937 || 10.0
|-
| Series 947 || 10.0
|-
| Series 957 || 16.0
|-
| Series 967 || 20.0
|-
| Series 977SX || 26.0
|-
| Series 987 || 32.0
|-
| Series 987/150 || 45.0
|-
| Series 987/200 || 60.0
|-
| Series 918LX, RX || 10.0
|-
| Series 928 || 14.0
|-
| Series 968 || 21.0
|-
| Series 978 || 25.0
|-
| Series 987/150 || 32.0
|-
| Series 939SK || 28.0
|-
| Series 959KS/100 || 35.0
|-
| Series 987/150                     ||   45.0
|-
| Series 987/200                     ||   60.0
|-
| Series 959KS/200                   ||   62.0
|-
| Series 988                         ||   39.0
|-
| Series 959KS/300                   ||   86.0
|-
| Series 959KS/400                   ||  110.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 990      ||   28.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 992/100  ||   35.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 992/200  ||   60.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 992/300  ||   81.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 992/400  ||  100.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 991      ||   33.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/100  ||   42.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/200  ||   71.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/300  ||   96.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/400  ||  118.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/500  ||  139.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/600  ||  160.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/700  ||  180.0
|-
| Corporate Business System 995/800  ||  200.0
|-
| a-class A400-100-110 ||   17.0 
|-
| a-class A500-100-140 ||   24.0 
|-
| a-class A400-200-140 ||   42.0
|-
| a-class A400-100-150 ||   37.0
|-
| a-class A500-100-200 ||   49.0
|-
| a-class A500-200-200 ||   84.0
|-
| n-class N4000-100-220 ||  69.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-100-330 || 100.0
|-
| n-class N4000-100-440 || 138.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-200-440 || 254.0
|-
| n-class N4000-300-440 || 353.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-400-440 || 438.0
|-
| n-class N4000-300-550 || 446.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-400-550 || 553.0
|-
| n-class N4000-100-380 || 115.0
|-
| n-class N4000-200-380 || 207.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-100-500 || 154.0
|-
| n-class N4000-200-500 || 284.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-300-500 || 399.0
|-
| n-class N4000-400-500 || 499.0 
|-
| n-class N4000-300-750 || 606.0
|-
| n-class N4000-400-750 || 768.0
|}

== See also ==

* [[HP 7935]]
* [[HP 9000]]
* [[HPE Integrity Servers]]
* [[HPE Superdome]]

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

== References ==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite journal
 |first=Christopher |last=Edler
 |title=The Strongest Castle: The Rise, Fall and Rise of the HP 3000
 |journal=The Analytical Engine
 |date=November 1995
 |publisher=Computer History Association of California|volume=3|issue=1|page=16|issn=1071-6351
 |url=http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/chac/CHAC_Analytical_Engine/3.1_November_1995.pdf<!-- http://www.3kranger.com/HP3000/History/AE1995-11.pdf [https://web.archive.org/web/20061010164804/http://www.3k.com/index_papers_hp3000_history.html Edler, C. The Rise, Fall and Rise of the HP 3000] -->
}}
*{{Cite web 
 |last=Leibson |first=Steve 
 |url=http://www.hp9825.com/html/hp_2116.html 
 |title= HP: The Accidentally, On-Purpose Computer Company 
 |website=HP9825.COM 
 |date=2017
}}
* {{cite journal
 |first= Kip |last=Crosby
 |title=HP's Early Computers Part One, an interview with Barney Oliver
 |journal= The Analytical Engine
 |publisher=Computer History Association of California
 |volume=2 |number=3 
 |date=May 1995
 |issn= 1071-6351
 |pages=5–14
 |ref=CITEREFCrosby1995a
 |url=http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/chac/CHAC_Analytical_Engine/2.3_May_1995.pdf
}}
* {{cite journal
 |first= Kip |last=Crosby
 |title=HP's Early Computers Part Two, an interview with Joe Schoendorf
 |journal= The Analytical Engine
 |publisher=Computer History Association of California
 |volume=2 |number=4
 |date=August 1995
 |issn= 1071-6351
 |pages=5–14
 |ref=CITEREFCrosby1995b
 |url=http://www.bitsavers.org/pdf/chac/CHAC_Analytical_Engine/2.4_August_1995.pdf
}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuLAyGkjLXw HP 3000 Marketing Video, 1994] – [[YouTube]]
* [http://www.3000newswire.com/blog 3000 NewsWire] – blog: HP3000 news, technical papers, historical archives
* [http://www.robelle.com/library/smugbook/classic.html The History of the HP3000, by Bob Green]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20071012023302/http://www.3k.com/twiki/bin/view/TWiki/HP3000FAQ HP3000 FAQ]
* [http://www.mpe-opensource.org Portal for MPE-based ports and software for open source]
* {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428071354/http://openmpe.com/openmpe/omdoc.shtm |title=MPE tech manuals, VEsoft papers, technical proceedings from HP3000 user group meetings |date=2014-04-28}}
* [http://www.adager.com/TechnicalPapers.html Adager's technical paper library for IMAGE, HP3000 software and VEsoft papers on the system]
* [http://www.hp.com/products1/evolution/e3000/download/HPe3000BetaPatchList101215.xls HP list of beta-test patches available in 2009]
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/hp/3000/ HP 3000 hardware and software manuals] : PDF scans – ''Bitsavers''
* [http://www.hpmuseum.net/exhibit.php?class=3&acc=32 HP Computer Museum]: PDF scans of manuals
* [http://hpmuseum.net/document.php?catfile=408 HP 3000 General Information Manual: September 1979], [http://hpmuseum.net/document.php?catfile=208 October 1984]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231022205043/http://www.hpl.hp.com/hpjournal/pdfs/IssuePDFs/1987-12.pdf |title=Hewlett-Packard Journal: Dec. 1987 |date=2023-10-22}} – two articles on MPE XL and the HP 3000 emulation on HP Precision Architecture, "MPE XL: The Operating System for HP's Next Generation of Commercial Computer Systems" and "HP 3000 Emulation on HP Precision Architecture Computers"
* [http://bitsavers.org/pdf/hp/3000/HP_3000_Performance.txt HP 3000 Performance (text file)]
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060214105120/http://aics-research.com/first3k.html |title="HP SYSTEM/3000 system description" promotional material, November 1971 |date=2006-02-14}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061016103344/http://www.itjungle.com/tfh/tfh111901.html |title=November 19, 2001: HP Sunsets Its Proprietary e3000 Server Line |date=2006-10-16}}
* [http://news.cnet.com/Hewlett-Packard+phases+out+server+line/2100-1001_3-275842.html November 14, 2001 Hewlett-Packard phases out server line]
* [http://www.hp.com/products1/evolution/e3000/index.html Continued support of HP e3000 installations]
* [http://www.hp.com/products1/evolution/e3000/faq.html HP e3000 transition program FAQ]
* [http://www.allegro.com/papers/ Classic Genealogy and PA-RISC Systems Performance Spreadsheets]
* [http://simh.trailing-edge.com/hp/ SIMH Hewlett-Packard 3000 simulator (Series III)]
* [https://patents.google.com/patent/US3820079A US Patent 3,820,079 for the Alpha system]

== Pictures ==
* [http://ed-thelen.org/comp-hist/hp-3000.jpg Picture of HP 3000 series 48]
* [http://www.ricomputermuseum.org/_/rsrc/1302443038429/Home/equipment/hp3000-series-70/HP_3000_Series_70_Front.jpg Picture of HP 3000 series 70]
* [http://hardware-museum.livejournal.com/163637.html HP 3000 series 42, 52, 70]

{{Hewlett-Packard}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Minicomputers]]
[[Category:Stack machines]]
[[Category:Computer-related introductions in 1973]]
[[Category:16-bit computers]]
[[Category:32-bit computers]]
[[Category:HP computers|3000]]