This paper discusses Hewlett-Packard Company and the competitors that HP faces in the Midwest - Digital Equipment Corporation, Burroughs, Prime, and International Business Machines Corporation. Also, I have touched on the effect that the Japanese will have on the American computer industry in the very near future. Within each section about the vendors, I discussed their product strategy, manufacturing strategy, marketing strategy, service strategy, and company philosophy.Preparing my thesis has been very enjoyable and has been a learning experience as well. Many thanks to Mr. T.J. Ault for his guidance and undying encouragement.