When a company requires a larger IT infrastructure, the operations and development teams may choose to implement a new server at their data centre (either virtually or physically) or reach out to their cloud provider. This choice is usually the optimal solution since traditional server architecture has proven to be effective for many years, and is expected to persist in the future.
However, there are other deployment alternatives available depending on the circumstances. For instance, single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi could be a viable alternative.
Elaborate on the idea of a “single-board computer”.
The term “single-board computer” might be deceptive as it suggests that all parts of the system are situated on a single board. Nevertheless, this is likewise the situation with numerous desktop computers that have a motherboard, delivering integrated support for display, network and sound.
A single-board computer (SBC) is suitably named as its components, including the CPU and the data storage device, are permanently attached to the circuit board, making them irreplaceable. This is different from standard computers, that permit components such as memory, central processing unit, and hard drive, to be updated or serviced. While the absence of upgradeability may seem like a drawback, it also offers a level of simplicity and usefulness that can be advantageous.
Single-board computers, otherwise referred to as embedded systems, are an invaluable resource for businesses. They have a myriad of functions such as managing devices, facilitating Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, operating robots, enabling in-store interactions, and hosting media. Acquiring this technology can improve efficiency and productivity within the company, as well as increase customer accessibility.
Having doubts? This article delves into why the Raspberry Pi single-board computer is exceptionally beneficial for businesses.
Low-Cost Deployments
One of the most appealing aspects of single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi is their cost-efficiency. Starting at only $15-$35, these compact yet high-performing computing devices offer significant value for money. Their adaptability is ideal for constructing a network of Linux PCs at a reasonable price. Also, compared to standard PCs, their lower cost makes them more economical to maintain and replace over an extended period.
Thanks to the economical pricing of single-board computers (SBCs), your organisation can experiment more extensively with various implementations. These infrastructures can also serve as low-cost testing environments before finalised public applications and services are deployed.
Flexibility
Single-board computers (SBCs) provide a cost-efficient and versatile answer to businesses that seek to make changes to their sector. With an easy-to-implement process and a broad range of applications, SBCs can be a valuable resource for companies that want to stay up-to-date with their field. Learn more about the vital changes in the cloud computing industry by 2023.
Single-board computers are readily available for specific applications, and their simple design makes them an excellent option for prototyping and experimentation. Most SBCs operate on Linux, providing the freedom to code in your preferred programming language. Examples include the Raspberry Pi, which supports a variety of programming languages such as Java, JavaScript, .NET, Python, PHP, and C++.
Experimentation
It is apparent that various technologies such as robots, AI, controllers, and sensors are exploitable in a business setting. However, testing these technologies on regular hardware is not always feasible. An alternative approach is to use economical and uncomplicated Single-Board Controllers (SBCs). If a deployment were to fail, the financial and temporal consequences would be limited.
Power Use Efficiency
Deploying a network of hundreds of desktop PCs in an area that lacks adequate power supply could be a pricey undertaking that may even violate safety protocols.
Single-board computers (SBCs) can be an effective remedy for this issue due to their low power usage. For instance, the Raspberry Pi 4 typically consumes between 3.8 W and 4.0 W when inactive, and lowering the number of processor cores to one can decrease the power usage to 4.5 W. Increasing the cores to two and three can increase the power consumption to 5.0 W and 5.5 W, respectively. These numbers are in sharp contrast to the typical power consumption of a desktop computer, ranging from 65 W to 250 W.
Straightforward Software Architecture
It’s vital to consider the potential of Single-Board Computers (SBCs) as a robust programming environment, primarily when contemplating your organisational expansion into the Internet of Things (IoT). Using SBCs as an alternate development platform for your team can provide them with a competitive edge in adopting the Internet of Things.
Developers can use Raspberry Pi computers as a development platform because of their compatibility with the Linux operating system. Connecting the Raspberry Pi to GitHub allows developers to access the same tools from any location that has a display, keyboard, and mouse. The selection of languages and frameworks accessible on Linux guarantees that developers can continue working on their projects without any disruptions.
Conclusion
If you seek an economical and efficient computer for your business, the Raspberry Pi is an excellent choice. Acquiring this technology can lower expenditures, boost operational flexibility, and enable the exploration of novel use cases and solutions – making it an economical resolution for your organisation.
