# HP-UX

> proprietary Unix operating system

**Wikidata**: [Q847593](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q847593)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-UX)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/hp-ux

## Summary
HP-UX is a proprietary Unix operating system developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). First released in 1984, it runs on HP's Integrity and HP 9000 systems and supports enterprise-level computing environments with features like the Common Desktop Environment and Software Distributor package management.

## Key Facts
- **Developer**: Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), since 2015
- **Initial release**: 1984
- **Latest stable version**: 2405.11iv3 (released May 31, 2024)
- **License**: Proprietary
- **Runs on**: HP 9000 and HP Integrity servers
- **GUI toolkit**: Common Desktop Environment
- **Package manager**: Software Distributor
- **Certifications**: Complies with Single UNIX Specification
- **Supported languages**: English (primary interface)
- **Distribution format historically**: CD-ROM

## FAQs
### Q: What is HP-UX used for?
A: HP-UX is designed for enterprise server and workstation environments, particularly on HP's proprietary hardware. It supports mission-critical applications, databases, and large-scale computing tasks.

### Q: Is HP-UX still supported?
A: Yes, as of May 2024, the latest version is 2405.11iv3. HPE continues to provide updates and support for HP-UX in enterprise settings.

### Q: How does HP-UX differ from other Unix systems?
A: HP-UX is tailored specifically for HP hardware such as the HP 9000 and Integrity servers. It includes HP-specific tools like Software Distributor and integrates with the Common Desktop Environment.

## Why It Matters
HP-UX has played a significant role in enterprise computing since its introduction in 1984. As one of the major proprietary Unix systems, it has powered critical infrastructure in industries requiring high reliability and scalability, including finance, telecommunications, and government sectors. Its long-term support and integration with HP’s hardware ecosystem make it a dependable choice for legacy and specialized systems. Though less visible in modern consumer contexts, HP-UX remains relevant in niche enterprise applications where stability and performance on dedicated hardware are paramount.

## Notable For
- One of the longest-running proprietary Unix systems, first released in 1984
- Exclusive compatibility with HP's Integrity and HP 9000 hardware platforms
- Integration with the Common Desktop Environment (CDE) for graphical user interface support
- Use of Software Distributor as its native package management system
- Compliance with the Single UNIX Specification, ensuring standardization and portability

## Body
### Development and History
HP-UX was created by Hewlett-Packard and first released in 1984. Over time, it evolved into a robust Unix-like environment tailored for HP's server and workstation hardware. In 2015, development and maintenance responsibilities transitioned to Hewlett Packard Enterprise following HP's corporate split.

### Technical Specifications
- **Kernel Type**: Monolithic
- **Default GUI**: Common Desktop Environment (CDE)
- **Package Management**: Software Distributor
- **Supported Architectures**: PA-RISC, Itanium (Integrity series)
- **File Systems**: HFS, VxFS, ZFS (via third-party solutions)

### Supported Platforms
HP-UX operates exclusively on HP-designed hardware:
- HP 9000 series workstations and servers
- HP Integrity servers (based on Intel Itanium architecture)

### Licensing and Distribution
HP-UX is distributed under a proprietary software license. Historically, it was delivered via CD-ROM. The current version, 2405.11iv3, was released on May 31, 2024.

### Certifications and Standards
HP-UX complies with the Single UNIX Specification, ensuring compatibility and adherence to Unix standards. This certification guarantees a level of interoperability with other certified Unix systems.

### Community and Support
- Official support and documentation are provided by Hewlett Packard Enterprise
- Online communities exist, including the subreddit r/hpux (active since January 19, 2013)
- Stack Overflow hosts an active tag for technical discussions: [hp-ux](https://stackoverflow.com/tags/hp-ux)

## Schema Markup
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{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "HP-UX",
  "description": "Proprietary Unix operating system developed by Hewlett Packard Enterprise.",
  "url": "http://www.hpe.com/info/hpux",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q956076",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HP-UX"
  ],
  "additionalType": "Unix-like operating system"
}

## References

1. [HP-UX 11i Version 3; Operating Environments Update Release, May 2023; Release Notes. 2023](https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docLocale=en_US&docId=dp00002824en_us)
2. [Source](https://support.hpe.com/connect/s/softwaredetails?language=en_US&collectionId=MTX-MSC_HPUX_VSEOE)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. Quora