The word quantum often portends New Age mumbo-jumbo, in spite of the fact that quantum mechanics underlies many of today’s most important technologies, including lasers and the semiconductors found in every computer chip.
Nevertheless, today quantum computing is becoming a reality. And while it may look to the layperson like mere mumbo-jumbo, in reality of the technology has largely moved out of the theoretical stage, as recent news indicates.
In fact, two important announcements over the last few weeks underscore the progress quantum computing is making.
First, Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada-based D-Wave Systems announced the general availability of the latest generation of their D-Wave 2X quantum computer.
Second, semiconductor behemoth Intel announced a $50 million investment in a collaborative relationship with Netherlands-based Delft University to advance quantum computing technology.
D-Wave Systems, in fact, has been working on quantum computing for several years now. “Over the last 10 years there has been a considerable amount of investment, enthusiasm, and research around the potential of quantum computing,” according to D-Wave CEO Vern Brownell. “In the last sixteen years there have been 25 generations of processors.”
Quantum computers like the ones from D-Wave Systems are especially well-suited for solving complex problems that feature many independent variables, like Monte Carlo simulations (useful for stock market and other business predictions), drug development, materials research, and cryptography.
Read the entire article at http://www.forbes.com/sites/jasonbloomberg/2015/09/04/quantum-computing-from-theory-to-reality/.
Intellyx advises companies on their digital transformation initiatives and helps vendors communicate their agility stories. As of the time of writing, none of the organizations mentioned in this article are Intellyx customers.
