“Resourcer” is the new functionality in DataSHIELD since v6.0 that allows the interaction with external data repositories. This means you don’t have to get data you want to analyse uploaded by a data custodian! that not all data to be analysed have to be loaded into the Opal server. It is simply “plug in and play”.
The data is kept in its original format and location- for example someone could connect to the wealth of omics data provided by IS Global in Barcelona. As well as accessing remotely, it allows the use of high-power computers to run the analyses.
You can have a go yourself at importing studies as a practice here.
You can learn which studies offer resources here.