Quantum Computing: The Disruption that will Disrupt Other Disruptions

As most people are aware, a “normal” computer has a memory made up of binary bits, where each bit is represented by either a one or a zero. It’s called “binary computation.” Quantum computation uses quantum bits, which are based on the principles of quantum mechanics.

Without going into too much detail, a qubit (quantum bit) can process much more complex information than a binary bit. Together, these qubits should be the building blocks of a very smart and fast computer. I say “should be” because only experimental models exist at the moment. You will not have a quantum computer in your office tomorrow.

So why should you care about this? Because quantum computing will be the driving force for a series of changes that will affect your business. Quantum computers will be able to perform extremely complex computations very quickly which will result in quantum supremacy: the ability of quantum computing devices to solve problems that classical computers now, for all practical purposes, cannot. Though the field is still very new, here are examples of some very concrete applications:

1. Optimizing processes: Every business wants to find the best decision out of a large number of possible decisions. The superior computing power of a quantum computer will help solve these puzzles in real-time. Examples would be identifying a better way to manage risk in financial portfolios or finding the most cost-effective route for shipping goods.
2. Machine learning: Quantum computing boosts machine learning. This will enhance our current Big Data and analytics solutions in a way we can now only barely foresee. For example, a supercomputer will be able to make very detailed predictions about customer behavior.
3. Pattern matching: This new breed of computer will find complex patterns in data and use them to predict future patterns. This will help you identify business opportunities and new market trends.

Quantum computing will not be a trend or a megatrend; it will be a huge disruption. Watch this space for the hottest news on innovations that will rock the world!