RLX Technologies

RLX Technologies

Company type	Private
Industry	Computer hardware, Software
Predecessor	RocketLogix, Inc.
Founded	1999
Founder	Christopher Hipp
Defunct	2005
Fate	Acquired by Hewlett-Packard
Headquarters	The Woodlands, Texas , United States
Key people	Gary Stimac (CEO), Michael S. Swavely (President)
Products	Blade servers, Control Tower software

RLX Technologies was a computer hardware firm headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas. Established in 1999 by Christopher Hipp, who co-developed the blade server concept, along with former Compaq personnel, RLX was a pioneer in creating blade servers—compact and energy-efficient servers optimized to reduce space and power consumption within standard 19-inch rack enclosures. In 2005, the company became part of Hewlett-Packard through acquisition.

History

Initially launched in 1999 under the name RocketLogix, Inc., the company received financial backing from Dallas-based investment group Cracken, Harkey & Co. After Hipp highlighted the demand for a more efficient web server design, RocketLogix gained support from this firm. Capital was raised with assistance from former Compaq leaders such as founder Rod Canion and Robert W. Stearns.

Upon completing its blade server design, the enterprise rebranded as RLX Technologies in 2001 and moved its operations to The Woodlands. Leadership roles were assumed by Gary Stimac and Michael S. Swavely, both having prior experience at Compaq, serving as CEO and President respectively.

In response to a shrinking server market caused by the dotcom bust in 2004, RLX redirected its efforts from manufacturing hardware toward developing its blade server management software known as Control Tower.

In 2002, Hipp along with David Kirkeby obtained a patent for their invention titled "High density web server chassis system and method."

After operating for five years, RLX was purchased by Hewlett-Packard in October 2005 to strengthen HP’s offerings in the blade server segment.