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A shift to embedded applications: a year in the life of the Raspberry Pi

 

The credit card-sized board known as the Raspberry Pi has become a true phenomenon within the industry. The excitement it has generated in educational circles, and increasingly, in the world of industry, goes beyond what was imagined a year ago. It is increasingly evident that the Raspberry Pi has become a revolutionary technology: it comes with an irresistible price/performance and offers exceptional usability; you don't need to be a hardware or software expert to use it. In its first year of existence, one million units have already been sold, so it could be firmly stated that the Raspberry Pi Foundation has become the fastest growing "ICT company" in the world.

 

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RS markets the Raspberry Pi through two channels: the first is the world's largest B2B trade website and the second is the Raspberry Pi Store, more aimed at consumers, hobbyists and enthusiasts of this product. Of course, the appeal of the Raspberry Pi was immediately apparent as an educational tool for children to learn computing and programming at a relatively young age. In addition, thanks to the excellent multimedia processor built into the Raspberry Pi board (it uses high-definition sound/image) and its various possibilities for networking, it has become a suitable platform for many academic subjects, not only for those related to TIC.

 

 

embedded 

 

What has certainly been a surprise, however, is that it is slowly and decisively carving out a unique market in the industry world: it is earning respect as a reliable and highly profitable embedded PC. As an example, RS has received many inquiries from its customers who were already looking for a small embedded PC at around $85, in 10k or 20k quantities per year, and are now seriously considering using the RS. Raspberry Pi at a cost of $35, which would translate into significant savings. Of course, it will need to be redesigned, but with a volume in the tens of thousands, the additional cost will pay off quickly.

 

 

 

Applications

 

Our main business channel is currently in charge of approximately 60% of the plates, with the average quantity per order being six or more. Which is an important indicator that they are being used as integrated PCs in a series of applications, such as; Information points and sales terminals, digital advertising signage and communications and multimedia servers. This trend was not easy to see during the first few months of the Raspberry Pi board's life, but many of those enthusiasts who were early adopters no doubt discussed the board as part of their professional interests. The growing community that supports the use of this board is increasing by the minute and is already of considerable size, so it is becoming increasingly clear that this is a long-term phenomenon and that it will probably be with us for many years to come.

 

 

 

limited edition

 

One year later, and to celebrate the first anniversary of the Raspberry Pi, RS has made 1.000 Raspberry Pi Model B boards available to schools, charities, and enthusiasts. Each limited-edition board is designed in a unique blue color, comes with an engraved serial number and comes in a specially presented box along with a transparent blue sleeve and a certificate of authenticity signed by Eben Upton, Executive Director of the Raspberry Pi Foundation. The limited-edition plates will not be offered for sale directly, but most will be donated to charitable causes associated with youth and education around the world. In addition, from now until June 2013, Raspberry Pi enthusiasts globally will also have the opportunity to enter contests for a chance to win one of the Anniversary Edition boards.

 

 

 

At RS we believe that this initiative embraces the spirit of the Raspberry Pi, and hopefully that spirit thrives...