I had an inquiry recently regarding the Tempest version of the IBM 5170, also known as the IBM 4459. The IBM 5170 Tempest variant was a version of the conventional IBM PC/AT designed for sensitive environments. It is more of a curiosity today, and there are good reasons why it is rare.
Having spent part of my career in the type of environment where this machine would have been used, I can elaborate on some of its design, and why it was built the way that it was. I may also be able to give some insight into why not many of these devices survive today.
David Farquhar is a computer security professional, entrepreneur, and author. He started his career as a part-time computer technician in 1994, worked his way up to system administrator by 1997, and has specialized in vulnerability management since 2013. He invests in real estate on the side and his hobbies include O gauge trains, baseball cards, and retro computers and video games. A University of Missouri graduate, he holds CISSP and Security+ certifications. He lives in St. Louis with his family.