What is Quantum Computing and what does it mean?
QC is set to change the world of work and the seemingly immutable, relatively predictable incremental progress of the technological status quo. We can expect to be separated into two categories as organisations. Those who are “quantum ready”, rearchitected, optimised, invested, and those beset by the turbulent, rampaging, digital thuggery that is a post-quantum world ill-prepared for. So, hold on to your white hats gang, we’re in for a ride.
This article aims to explain the basic information about QC and the impacts that it will have to the working world. I intend to write another about exactly what it means to be “quantum ready” and the state of “quantum readiness” as a concept, but this is foundational to that work.
Let’s get stuck into some of the future impacts of QC on our working world as they present themselves in 2023:
1. Warp-Speed (or better): One of the most significant impacts of quantum computing is its ability to perform calculations at a much faster rate than traditional computers. Quantum computers use quantum bits, or qubits, to store and process information, which allows them to perform certain calculations much faster than traditional computers. Essentially we’re talking about 158 million times the computing speed when the rubber hits the road.
2. Security: Quantum computing also has the potential to greatly enhance security. Quantum computers can use quantum cryptography to encrypt and decrypt data, making it much more difficult for hackers to access sensitive information. They can also use quantum algorithms to factorize large numbers, which is the basis for many modern encryption methods, making them much more secure. However, contrary to this, we can expect hacker groups to leverage AI with quantum capacity meaning the cyber battlegrounds will be ablaze with conquest and threat. Be prepared or be Lindisfarne…
3. Machine Learning: QC can also be used to improve machine learning algorithms. Quantum machine learning algorithms can analyze and process large amounts of data faster and more efficiently than traditional algorithms. This can lead to more accurate predictions and better decision-making. Data Science and Engineering are two of the most in demand skill sets today and will continue to be such as Quantum Computing grows the aptitude of ML and the capacity in line. If you’re looking for a future-proofed career pathway for you or your kids, look no further.
4. Drug Discovery: An area somewhat aside from my usual wheelhouse but it’s fascinating to observe the fervour circulating around QC in relation to drug discovery. Quantum Computing has the power to simulate complex chemical reactions and the behavior of the molecules in question. Leading to momentous innovation within the space.
5. Artificial Intelligence: Lastly, quantum computing has the potential to greatly enhance artificial intelligence. Quantum AI algorithms can process and analyze large amounts of data faster and more efficiently than traditional AI algorithms, which can lead to more advanced and sophisticated AI systems.
To close; quantum computing is a world of hyper speed and enormous power in and of itself. Couple that speed and power with our rapidly advancing sophistication in ML/ AI/ Cyber warfare or exploratory sciences and one realizes that we are on a drawn back technological sling shot to the future, just don’t climb in without your helmet on.