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Thinking about getting crafty with a few Raspberry Pi work projects? We’ve seen pros use a Raspberry Pi as a router; others may use Raspberry Pi as a web server, or as a NAS. If using an unsupported homespun solution for a mission-critical business function sounds dubious to you, well, that’s because it is—but nonetheless, here are five ways an inexpensive RPi solution gets the job done at work.

Multi-screen media display

A fleet of small RPis can turn outdated televisions into smart digital signage for a hospital complex. It’s compact enough to be stashed behind the screen, and Raspbian OS plays well with a Linux/Unix NFS (Network File System). In a large campus where there are dozens of lobby areas, Ethernet-connected RPis draw from a central media storage server. Technicians use Debian-based streaming application OSMC to control the system. Step by step

Server room temperature alarm

A simple temperature sensor on an RPi tells IT staff when a datacenter exceeds a certain temperature. Technicians configure their Pi to send out SMS message alerts to their mobile devices. The Pi is connected to the company network; a sim card is placed in the modem to enable text messaging. Application-wise, there are several ways to navigate Pi-modem communication—Gammu is a good one to start with. Step by step

All-purpose datacenter security

Along with temperature, technicians set up sensors for humidity, smoke, and gas on the GPIO pins of a Raspberry Pi. Also, optical sensors for when the lights are left on unintentionally, and motion detectors that trigger a Pi surveillance camera when movement is sensed. RPis are networked throughout a large datacenter. A PoE splitter (Power over Ethernet) reduces cords and keeps them out of sight. Step by step

Small server room thin client

In a tight space like a server closet, mount a Pi behind a monitor for a nice email/web/RDP client—a cost- and space-efficient thin client solution for light computing. Step by step

Pocket-size TFTP server

Trivial file transfer protocol is a handy way for network builders to add/remove files onto a remote host when building out the network, network booting, transferring firmware images and such. It’s an old, simple, small-packet protocol that translates well to a low-power system. Step by step

Feeling the inspiration? Check out Raspberry Pi 3 starter packages and get building.

Let me know in the comments—have you deployed any cool Raspberry Pi work projects in your domain?        

Summary
Five Gutsy Raspberry Pi Work Projects for the Brave Maker
Article Name
Five Gutsy Raspberry Pi Work Projects for the Brave Maker
Description
Thinking about getting crafty with a few Raspberry Pi work projects? Check out how RPi gets the job done in place of enterprise gear.
Author
Newegg Business Smart Buyer
HardBoiled | NeweggBusiness
Adam Lovinus

Author Adam Lovinus

A tech writer and Raspberry Pi enthusiast from Orange County, California.

More posts by Adam Lovinus

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