Sustainability in an IT Business: IBM 5150 to ThinkPad 240

This paper discusses the sustainability of an IT business, specifically the replacement of IBM 5150 with ThinkPad 240. It covers the recycling of electronic components and the environmental programs of IBM. The paper explains the concerns of IBM in recycling and disposing of electronic elements and thus maintains the sustainability in the IT business.

Running head: SUSTAINABILITY IN AN IT BUSINESS
Sustainability in an IT Business
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Table of Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Discussion........................................................................................................................................2
Identification:...............................................................................................................................2
Purpose:.......................................................................................................................................2
Assimilation:................................................................................................................................3
Sustainability:..............................................................................................................................3
Suitability:....................................................................................................................................4
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................4
References........................................................................................................................................6

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Introduction
This paper intends to discuss the sustainability as a core element while replacing an old
electronic component or device with a new device. The replacement of devices is due to specific
issues or the availability of new technology. Sustainability is the operational practice to meet the
requirements of the present without destroying the resources. Sustainability in an IT business is
also termed as corporate sustainability, and it is defined as a business practice which is
environmental friendly and socially responsible (Boons and Lüdeke-Freund 2013). This paper
would consider the brand IBM ((International Business Machine). The model of IBM considered
is sustainability from IBM model 5150 which was a personal computer to the IBM ThinkPad 240
laptop model.
Discussion
This paper would consider the discussion about what happens with the hardware of IBM
personal computer when it malfunctions or becomes old and is replaced by IBM ThinkPad model
240. The paper would consider the I-P-A-S-S aspect to discuss the sustainability of IBM.
Identification:
The IBM 5150 model is the personal computer developed by IBM in 1981. It was IBM's
attempt to make a compatible personal computer based on open architecture. The purpose of
IBM behind this compatible personal computer was its implementation in business, offices and
homes (Meng et al. 2017). The IBM 5150 personal computer model was succeeded by the
ThinkPad series of IBM laptops. The ThinkPad 240 model was a laptop computer produced by
the IBM in the year 1999. The ThinkPad 240 contains an internal processor, built-in RAM and

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memory expansion slot. This single unit of laptop contained all functions and keyboard was also
attached to it. The lithium-Ion and lithium iron Phosphate battery are used in the ThinkPad
laptop.
Purpose:
The purpose behind choosing IBM 5150 personal computer for this report is that it
contains a number of hardware system which is of no use with the advancement of technology.
After the replacement of IBM 5150 personal computer by ThinkPad laptop, there is a need for
the company to consider the environmental factors and recycle the electronic component of the
personal computer which are of no use ((Null and Lobur 2014).
Assimilation:
The products similar to IBM 5150 are available in the market but the laptops are
preferred more over the personal computers. The problem with the IBM 5150 PC was that it was
not portable and contained a huge system of devices for its proper working. Another issue was
that the tantalum capacitor which is present in the motherboard of the PC was likely to face short
circuit issues. The company tried to fix the issue by launching a compact laptop ThinkPad series
of IBM and this laptop contained an in-built battery. The reason for throwing away the IBM
5150 was its big and heavy operating system (2016 IBM Responsibility Report – Environment –
Solutions, 2018).
Sustainability:
The considerations taken by IBM for the sustainability are no charge recycling programs.
The company participates in various product take back program which includes shipping of IBM

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computers to the recycler approved by IBM which is LLC. The environmental programs of IBM
includes Battery Recycling and disposal program. The battery disposal includes disposal of
Nickel cadmium and lithium battery used in IBM (Ibm.com, 2018). The CMOS battery of a
personal computer of IBM 5150 are alkaline type battery, and it is also considered to be a toxic
part of the computer system. After the removal of CMOS battery, the components of computer,
the batteries are sent to battery recycler which is the United States. The cover is of the battery is
made up of light iron. The size reduction shedders are used to filter the materials of the computer
system. The materials from the shredder are sent to an eddy current separator. It separates the
hard drives, motherboard, processors and wires. The steel which is separated from this process is
used in the steel manufacturing industry. The fractionator is used to process the precious
material. The recycled CMOS battery is again used again as the batteries (Kuo 2013).
Suitability:
The method involved in the recycling of the hardware and battery of IBM 5150 model is
suitable as it does not harm the environment and IBM is providing this service for free. The
business cycle is defined as the sequence of economic activity of an organization and factors
responsible for this activity (Bloom et al. 2018). The business cycle of IBM involved in
sustaining the business from manufacturing personal computers to ThinkPad 240 model laptop is
effective. The IBM is capable of identifying the issues with their products, providing solution for
the issue and provides sustainability programs to recycle the electronic products of the computer.
The advantages of this business cycle of IBM is that it takes the corporate social responsibility
into consideration and thinks of recycling, water conservation and climate change. The IBM is
efficient in providing the upgraded platform and systems such as portable laptop system
ThinkPad 240 series. The disadvantages of the business cycle of IBM are that company faces a

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financial issue while providing free disposal and recycling program. It is recommended to IBM
to use the systems which are more compact and environmentally friendly in order to maintain the
environment policies for the organization.
Conclusion
Therefore it can be concluded from this paper that the sustainability in the IT business is a
significant issue in the modern world. This paper is efficient while explaining the replacement of
compatible personal computer IBM 5150 to the laptop model ThinkPad 240. It is efficient in
explaining the recycling of hardware system of the IBM personal computer model 5150. The
recycling of the CMOS battery of the PC which is not used in the laptop model 240 is explained
in this paper. The paper explains the concerns of IBM in recycling and disposing of electronic
elements and thus maintains the sustainability in the IT business. It can be concluded that the
process involved with the recycling of components of IBM 5150 is suitable and is socially viable
and environmental friendly. In order to improve the process of recycling of electronic device
and components, it is important for the government to adopt strict laws for its implementation.

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