Can Hewlett-Packard’s WebOS operating system save the company’s software division? HP CEO Leo Apotheker is about to find out. In a recent interview with BusinessWeek, Apotheker revealed that in 2012, "every one of the PCs shipped by HP will include the ability to run WebOS in addition to Microsoft Corp.'s Windows.”

In early February, HP introduced its first WebOS slate – the HP TouchPad. Featuring a 9.7-inch diagonal multitouch display, virtual keyboard, instant-on access, support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 beta, and access to thousands of WebOS applications, TouchPad promises to take advantage of the WebOS’s power and capabilities.

“Today we’re embarking on a new era of WebOS with the goal of linking a wide family of HP products through the best mobile experience available,” said Jon Rubinstein, senior vice president and general manager, Palm Global Business Unit, HP, in a statement. “The flexibility of the WebOS platform makes it ideal for creating a range of innovative devices that work together to keep you better connected to your world.”

According to Betanews, rather than replace Microsoft’s Windows, WebOS will be part of a dual-boot system that allows consumers to choose which platform they’d prefer to run.

Earlier this month, HP released its quarterly earnings with mixed results. For the first fiscal quarter ending Jan. 31, 2011, net revenue of $32.3 billion was up 4 percent from the prior-year period. However, HP’s revenue growth failed to meet Wall Street’s goals, a reality that “raises questions about the momentum of the company’s transformation,” according to a recent Wall Street Journal article.

"I'm pleased with our EPS and margin expansion during the quarter. Going forward, we have the opportunity to further capitalize on our customers' demands for higher value-added solutions," said Apotheker, in a statement. "HP has a powerful portfolio, including exciting, recently announced cloud and connectivity offerings. We are focused on leveraging these strengths to extend our leadership and accelerate growth."