Latest research publications

The value of data centre-related M&A deals that closed in the first quarter of 2020 has already exceeded the 2019 total, according to new market data.

Synergy Data published the latest quarterly stats Thursday, just over a month since Digital Realty closed its $8.4 billion acquisition of Interxion.

Scientists say they have developed a Bluetooth tracing system which is ready to be deployed into an app in the fight against coronavirus.

A team at UCL (University College London) have been working on the technology with data privacy experts to ease concerns of misuse.

Contact tracing has been widely discussed as a potential solution to help end the Covid-19 lockdown, following in the footsteps of Singapore, where a similar offering has been adopted.

The idea is to use Bluetooth technology to keep a log of those who have been in close proximity to you, and send out an alert if any anonymously declare themselves as tested positive, with advice on further steps to take.

Global spend on data centre hardware and software totalled $152 billion last year, according to new research from IT market watchers Synergy Research.

The figure, which represents a two percent rise from 2018, combines worldwide spending on public cloud and private cloud/traditional data centre hardware and software.

Scientists in the US have developed a prototype device which aims to put this third sense within VR’s reach, using a flexible material fitted with tiny vibrating components that can be attached to skin. But researchers from Northwestern University believe the system, known as epidermal VR, could be useful in other cases as well, from a child touching a display relaying the gesture to a family member located elsewhere, to helping people with amputations renew their sense of touch.

Virtual reality (VR) can help to ease someone’s sensitivity to pain, new research suggests. Scientists at Imperial College London found that people immersed in VR scenes of the Arctic reported reduced pain sensations compared with those not using the technology.