1: The Early Days

Xerox, a name synonymous with innovation and document technology, has a rich history
dating back to the early 20th century. The journey began in 1906 when a graduate of Yale
University named Joseph C. Wilson started The Haloid Photographic Company in Rochester,
New York. The company primarily manufactured photographic paper and equipment.

In 1938, Chester Carlson, an American physicist and inventor, made a groundbreaking

discovery that would change the trajectory of The Haloid Photographic Company. Carlson
invented a process known as electrophotography, more commonly referred to as xerography.
This new technology allowed for the creation of dry images on paper and became the
foundation of modern photocopying. Although the concept was revolutionary, it took several
years for the technology to be refined and commercialized.

The turning point came in 1947 when The Haloid Photographic Company acquired the rights
to Carlson's invention. They saw the immense potential of xerography, although it was far
from perfect at the time. The technology's potential caught the eye of a brilliant engineer
named John H. Dessauer, who played a crucial role in developing the first xerographic
copying machine. In 1949, the company introduced the XeroX Model A Copier, the world's
first commercial photocopier. The Model A was large, expensive, and slow by today's
standards, but it marked the beginning of the modern document technology era.

2: The Birth of Xerox Corporation

The success of the XeroX Model A Copier prompted The Haloid Photographic Company to
change its name to Xerox Corporation in 1961. This new identity reflected their dedication to
xerography and their vision for the future. The following years saw significant advancements
in xerographic technology. The XeroX 914, introduced in 1959, was a milestone product that
could produce copies at an impressive rate of seven copies per minute.

Xerox's innovation continued with the XeroX 660, a photocopying machine that could
produce high-quality copies on plain paper. This development marked a significant shift from
the early days of coated paper and set the standard for document copying. The company's
technological achievements weren't confined to hardware; they also developed an array of
software, including the XeroX Star, one of the first personal computers with a graphical user
interface.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Xerox faced challenges with patent disputes and competition in the
photocopier market. Despite these obstacles, Xerox maintained its position as an industry
leader, thanks to a commitment to research and development. The company's renowned Palo
Alto Research Center (PARC) was established in the 1970s and became a hub for
technological innovation, where significant contributions to computing and networking were
made.

3: Modern Xerox and Beyond

The late 20th century marked a period of transformation for Xerox. The company diversified
its product line, including printers, scanners, and multifunction devices. It focused on
expanding its global reach, creating a presence in various countries and serving clients around
the world. As part of its sustainability initiatives, Xerox made a commitment to reducing its
environmental impact, with a focus on developing eco-friendly products and reducing energy
consumption.

Xerox continued to innovate, introducing digital presses and production printing systems that
have redefined the print and document industry. Their innovative solutions have extended to
business process outsourcing and document management services, helping organizations
streamline their operations.

In recent years, Xerox has embraced a digital transformation, shifting from a hardware-
centric company to a solutions and services provider. Their digital document solutions, cloud-
based services, and artificial intelligence applications have modernized the way businesses
manage documents and information. Xerox's focus on sustainability has also earned it
recognition as a leader in environmental responsibility.

Today, Xerox remains at the forefront of technology and innovation, combining decades of
experience with a forward-looking vision. The company's history is a testament to the power
of invention and adaptation, and Xerox continues to be a pioneering force in the ever-
evolving world of document technology.