Kapil Sharma is a technology strategist, author, and consultant with over two decades of experience across digital transformation, cloud computing, cyber security, data platforms, and emerging technologies. He has led and advised large‑scale transformation programmes for global financial institutions, public sector organisations, and multinational enterprises operating in highly regulated environments.Kapil is the founder of a UK‑based consulting and education firm specialising in cyber security, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is an established technical author, having written multiple books and professional publications on enterprise technology, operating systems, and distributed platforms. His work is recognised for combining deep technical understanding with strategic and regulatory insight.Based in London, Kapil focuses on helping organisations navigate technological disruption without succumbing to hype‑driven decision‑making. His research interests include immersive technologies, platform economics, operational resilience, and the governance of complex digital ecosystems.

• 1 Introduction to the Metaverse2 Metaverse Platforms3 Metaverse – Is It a Hype?4 Metaverse – Is It a Hoax?5 Architectural Foundations and Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse6 Metaverse Decision Framework7 Metaverse Strategies8 Metaverse Business Cases9 Metaverse Case Study: Transforming Skills and Training in UK Further Education10 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Kapil Sharma is a technology strategist, author, and consultant with over two decades of experience across digital transformation, cloud computing, cyber security, data platforms, and emerging technologies. He has led and advised large‑scale transformation programmes for global financial institutions, public sector organisations, and multinational enterprises operating in highly regulated environments.Kapil is the founder of a UK‑based consulting and education firm specialising in cyber security, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is an established technical author, having written multiple books and professional publications on enterprise technology, operating systems, and distributed platforms. His work is recognised for combining deep technical understanding with strategic and regulatory insight.Based in London, Kapil focuses on helping organisations navigate technological disruption without succumbing to hype‑driven decision‑making. His research interests include immersive technologies, platform economics, operational resilience, and the governance of complex digital ecosystems.

• 1 Introduction to the Metaverse2 Metaverse Platforms3 Metaverse – Is It a Hype?4 Metaverse – Is It a Hoax?5 Architectural Foundations and Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse6 Metaverse Decision Framework7 Metaverse Strategies8 Metaverse Business Cases9 Metaverse Case Study: Transforming Skills and Training in UK Further Education10 Conclusion and Future Outlook

Kapil Sharma is a technology strategist, author, and consultant with over two decades of experience across digital transformation, cloud computing, cyber security, data platforms, and emerging technologies. He has led and advised large‑scale transformation programmes for global financial institutions, public sector organisations, and multinational enterprises operating in highly regulated environments.Kapil is the founder of a UK‑based consulting and education firm specialising in cyber security, blockchain, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation. He is an established technical author, having written multiple books and professional publications on enterprise technology, operating systems, and distributed platforms. His work is recognised for combining deep technical understanding with strategic and regulatory insight.Based in London, Kapil focuses on helping organisations navigate technological disruption without succumbing to hype‑driven decision‑making. His research interests include immersive technologies, platform economics, operational resilience, and the governance of complex digital ecosystems.

• 1 Introduction to the Metaverse2 Metaverse Platforms3 Metaverse – Is It a Hype?4 Metaverse – Is It a Hoax?5 Architectural Foundations and Enabling Technologies of the Metaverse6 Metaverse Decision Framework7 Metaverse Strategies8 Metaverse Business Cases9 Metaverse Case Study: Transforming Skills and Training in UK Further Education10 Conclusion and Future Outlook