Developing a business model for product environmental stewardship within IBM

Business models provide the needed structure for implementation of business ideas in order to achieve a tangible end result, such as a product or service, which can be marketed and sold. Business models often rely on building blocks and the processes and communications between those building blocks to create a formalized structure needed in a successful business. IBM Systems and Technology Group (STG) uses a business model based on the Environmental Management System as outlined in ISO 14001 to produce Information Technology (IT) products, such as servers, storage and retail store products which comply with environmental laws and regulations worldwide and which are favorably positioned to meet future environmental regulations. This organization, within IBM's STG division is referred to as the Product Environmental Stewardship program. The business model outlines the compliance process with both tactical and strategic aspects.