hmw-consulting was founded 1997 in Nuernberg, Germany. In the first couple of years, hmw-consulting tried to encourage corporate users to use free and open source software. Linux and other Free Software was mistakenly not considered a viable option for professional use at that time. Among the first projects were design and implementation of a hybrid digital and microfilm document archival and retrieval system.
Two years later, professional users started requesting Linux consulting and training.
In 2001, Conectiva Inc., a Brazil-based Linux Distributor contracted hmw-consulting. Among the projects for Conectiva were diverse tasks like porting the distribution from the x86 to PowerPC architecture, and evaluating the different commercially available SNA stacks for integration of Linux with the IBM S/390.
In 2002, Astaro AG contracted hmw-consulting as their major Free and Open Source contact. Among the projects for Astaro were the implementation of a state synchronization protocol for building highly available Linux-based firewalls.
In November 2002, hmw-consulting moved to Berlin, Germany.
In 2003, hmw-consulting was hired to develop a data acquisition and statistical process control system (gspc) for Neumeyer-Fliesspressen GmbH in Nuernberg, Germany.
In 2005, Harald Welte started the OpenMRTD project, developing a Free Software RFID Software Stack implementation, as well as Free Software for accessing data stored on ICAO MRTD compliant electronic Passports.
From June 2006 through November 2007, hmw-consulting was contracted by FIC, Inc. to play a key role in the development of the electronics and system level software architecture of its upcoming 100% Open Source mobile phone operating system OpenMoko.
In 2008, hmw-consulting has been contracted by VIA to provide consulting services with regard to the driver and open documentation support strategy for Linux and Free Software.
In 2009, Harald Welte developed and released the OpenBSC GSM-network-in-a-box software, both a research tool for GSM protocol security as well as a solution for building small/autonomous GSM networks.
In 2010, Harald Welte created the OsmocomBB project, a Free Software implementation of the GSM telephone-side protocol stack (L1, L2, L3, MMI).
In 2011, Harald Welte has developed and released the <ulink url="http://tetra.osmocom.org/">OsmocomTETRA</ulink> software, a SDR implementation of a TETRA V+D receiver and protocol analyzer.