CSC has bought a US-based big data company called Infochimps.

CSC, which offers its electronic patient record system Lorenzo to NHS trusts, has acquired the start-up firm based in Texas.

Infochimps focuses on big data, using the cloud as a delivery model, underpinned by open source technologies.

CSC hopes the cloud-based open source platform and its analytics professionals and engineers will help the company move forward in scaling its big data business and offer customers as-a-service access to advanced data analytics.

Dan Hushon, CSC’s chief technology officer, said the open source technologies will significantly advance CSC’s big data capabilities.

“This acquisition aligns directly with CSC’s focus on next-generation technology solutions and services,” he said.

"CSC’s customers are looking for both deep analytics and real-time correlation through a pre-integrated cloud platform.”

In a statement, CSC said the acquisition would play a part in the company’s strategy of “building out a complete big data solution set that enables enterprise and government customers to benefit immediately from big data analytics.”

CSC is due to deploy its Lorenzo EPR to at least eight trusts in the North Midlands and East as part of a deal between the company and the Department of Health.