Encompass's history began with DECUS, founded in 1961, for customers of the Digital Equipment Corporation, which was acquired in 1998 by Compaq.
The U.S. Chapter incorporated as the user group Encompass U.S. Hewlett-Packard acquired Compaq in 2002.
The Encompass Board at the time of the consolidation consisted of Nina Buik, Kristi Browder, Glen Kuykendall, Anthony Ioele, Steve Davidek, Dena Wright, John Maynen, Clyde Poole, and Bill Johnson.
Two former directors were credited with being instrumental in facilitating the consolidation, Chris Koppe and Jim Becker.
Encompass manages the pre-conference seminar program and trade show at the HP Technology Forum & Expo.