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IT managers, take note: this is the latest hype in computing
For years, the phenomenon I am going to talk about in this blog has been heralded as the next big breakthrough in the IT world. Reports regularly appear about groundbreaking advances and the immense computing power this technology promises. The most recent reports even come from Microsoft. Yet the real impact for businesses remains absent. No drug has yet been developed using new hype, and even the dreaded scenarios in which encryption keys are cracked in the blink of an eye are still future.
What am I talking about? Quantum computing.
The question is really: is it a hype or a revolution? Because ... where do we really stand? What makes quantum chips fundamentally different from Intel's or AMD's processors? And when should companies start seriously preparing for a quantum future? In this blog, I provide a clear overview of where we stand, without the hype, but with a realistic view of what's to come.
What is quantum computing and how is it different from traditional processors?
Quantum computing is a revolutionary approach to data processing that uses several principles of quantum mechanics. In this way, it can quickly solve complex problems that are inaccessible to classical computers.
Traditional processors, such as those from Intel and AMD, are built with silicon-based semiconductor technology and operate according to the laws of classical physics. They process information in a binary form, with each bit being a distinct 0 or 1. Although this technology has made tremendous progress in recent decades, we are encountering physical and technical limits that are rapidly approaching the technical possibilities.
The main difference between quantum computers and traditional processors lies in their fundamental way of processing information. Quantum computers take advantage of the unique properties of qubits that allow them to perform certain calculations much faster than classical computers ever could. This opens the door to new possibilities in areas where traditional computers are limited.
However, it is important to note that quantum computing is still at an experimental stage. There are significant technical challenges. Quantum computers still make many errors and are very sensitive to outside disturbances. A single cosmic ray can completely mess up a Qubit and then the entire calculation the computer was working on has to be redone. This is called decoherence with a difficult word.
Nevertheless, the development of this technology continues to inspire researchers and companies worldwide, with the promise of a new era in computing. And it is a justifiable inspiration because the promise ... is grand and far-reaching.
Potential application areas of quantum computing plus current status
Quantum computing offers promising opportunities in specific domains where traditional computers fall short. One important area of application is cryptography. Quantum computers can crack potentially complex encryption keys, offering both risks and opportunities for data security. Status: in its infancy. The error rate is still too high and many more Qubits are needed to truly crack keys.
In addition, optimization is an area where quantum computing can begin to excel. In sectors such as logistics and finance, quantum algorithms can help find optimal routes or investment strategies by evaluating multiple possibilities in rapid succession. Status: promising, but speed and accuracy are still insufficient.
Simulation of molecular and material properties is another promising application area. Quantum computers can more accurately model complex molecular interactions, which could lead to innovations in drug development and materials science. Status: Also promising, the accuracy and complexity achieved still need considerable improvement.
However, it is important to emphasize that quantum computers are not intended to replace traditional computers in everyday applications. For tasks such as word processing, e-mail management or running databases, classical computers offer efficient and cost-effective solutions. The architecture of quantum computers is not designed for these linear and transactional processes. Status: This is where quantum computers are not deployed because no one has yet figured out how quantum technology can add value here.
In summary, although quantum computing offers revolutionary opportunities in specific niches, its use for now remains limited to areas where their unique properties add significant value. For most day-to-day computing tasks, traditional systems remain the preferred choice.
And now to Microsoft's quantum breakthrough: promising or still far from practical deployment?
Microsoft has developed a new quantum technology based on a new “aggregation state” - in addition to solid, liquid and gaseous (the well-known states of matter) - which they call “topological. Sounds visionary. In itself ok - but ... what does this show in practice? This concept theoretically provides a more stable basis for quantum computing, but practice shows that there are still a few technical bumps.
And in all honesty ... those bumps are more substantial limitations than “we'll solve this quickly” challenges.
The limitations are:
The qubits are 3 micrometers in size, which is a thousand times larger than current qubits. And also a thousand times larger than modern transistors. Reducing transistors by a factor of 1,000 took the industry about 20 years. Quite a challenge, in other words.
The chip must then also be cooled to near absolute zero, which requires an enormously complex and energy-intensive infrastructure. And that while the power grid is already suffering from ever-increasing demand.
Currently, the chip has only 8 qubits, while competing quantum chips already have thousands of qubits and millions are expected to be needed for real applications. Well ...
While Microsoft's breakthrough is an important step, realistically we are still at least 15-20 years away from a quantum computer making a real impact. And even then, it is uncertain whether this technology will become the solution-think of the hype around superconductivity in the 1980s and 1990s, which never became widely applicable.
Who are the other players and can they do it?
Google and IBM have also announced quantum breakthroughs, with better error correction and more scalable qubits. But like Microsoft, they have yet to have concrete applications that deliver on the promise of quantum computing.
Quantum computing: the quantum leap is yet to come
Quantum computing has been presented for years as the next great revolution in IT, and then it may well be. But we are simply not there yet. The reality is that large-scale, practical applications are still farther away than we both wish for and are promised. Recent breakthroughs, such as Microsoft's topological qubits, are promising, but the technology still faces fundamental limitations. Experts estimate that it will be at least another 15 to 20 years before quantum computing has a real impact on the IT infrastructures and applications that companies use today.
For now, the best strategy to improve IT performance remains to optimize existing applications and infrastructures smarter. Major savings and efficiencies are already being achieved by doing so.
Sciante works with countless organizations to make their IT systems faster, more reliable and more cost-effective. With the Application Health Check™ and Application Optimizer™, you not only realize direct savings, but also make employees' work more enjoyable and productive, for example.
Want to know how quickly your IT environment can improve? Schedule an appointment and find out what's possible today.