Put away your credit card – it’s not quite here yet. So why talk about it now? Because it’s coming quickly even faster than experts thought a month ago. If you consider how fast technology has ‘snowballed’ since the 1960s, Quantum Computing will soon be at your door.
There are still a scant few ‘old-timers’ in the Charlotte IT Support Community who have witnessed the evolution of computing technology since IBM punch-card systems first made their way into the public consciousness in the 1950s, but they have been in use since the technology was introduced by IBM in 1928 for use in main-frame computers.
At the time, only the biggest corporations could afford electronic computing. Fast-forward to 1972 when the introduction of the microprocessor allowed computers to run faster – with a much smaller physical footprint. Soo, mid-sized businesses were jumping into the fray and the first generation of the Time & Materials, or ‘Break & Fix’ (B&F) model for the IT Support industry was born. However, only a handful of outsourced IT Consulting Services were available in major cities. The smartest, most forward-looking high school and college kids saw the writing on the wall and started taking Computer Science classes. A wise move - because it paid off – in spades.
Now fast-forward another ten years when Personal Computers (PCs) began appearing on the scenes. At that point, literally any business could afford to get them, and the Break/Fix IT world flourished.
Now jump ahead to the advent of the internet, and the Managed IT Services model for IT Support and the IT HelpDesk were born. Break/Fix was slow because it depended entirely on a technician showing up to fix what was broken. Networks could now be maintained and repaired remotely and much faster by using the internet.
Over the next 30+ years, this superior model would gradually take over as the dominant way IT services would be provided. No longer would a ‘Break & Fix’ customer have to wait for their IT services ‘guy’ to show up, figure out what broke and then fix it – IT HelpDesk could now take care of it in a matter of minutes over the internet.
What is quantum computing and how does it work?
As might be guessed, it incorporates Quantum Physics with Information Theory and Computer Science. According to Investopedia:
“Quantum computing is an area of computing focused on developing computer technology based on the principles of quantum theory (which explains the behavior of energy and material on the atomic and subatomic levels). Computers used today can only encode information in bits that take the value of 1 or 0—restricting their ability.
Quantum computing, on the other hand, uses quantum bits or qubits. It harnesses the unique ability of subatomic particles that allows them to exist in more than one state (i.e., a 1 and a 0 at the same time).”
In simplified terms, while classic computing manipulates, evaluates, and makes determinations on one ‘reality’ or set of data at a time, Quantum computing can do the same with several ‘realities’ simultaneously. In examining one set of data, the basic component of Quantum computing – the qubit (rather than the classic bit) can immediately determine the attributes of all associated or ‘partner’ sets.
From LitsLink:
“Let’s imagine a situation of having two bombs with identical fuses. According to rules of classical physics, they would explode at the same time. However, according to the laws of quantum physics, two identical radioactive atoms will explode at different times although they are indistinguishable. Quantum elements share a set of features that seem to be the verge of common sense like teleportation, time travel or an ability to be at two places simultaneously.”
Even the best ‘nutshell definition’ would still be too long for this blog. It’s akin to the difference between arithmetic and calculus - an entirely different way of computing - that is reported to be 100 MILLION times faster than even the fastest Supercomputer when dealing with regular, day-to-day calculations.
Earlier this year, pioneer Quantum computing firm D-Wave Systems demonstrated that their Quantum computer solved a complex Quantum Magnetics problem 3 million times faster than a classical computer. After demonstrating the first Quantum computer in 227, this Canadian company has become one of several who are spearheading the drive to introduce Quantum Computing into the general business environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the biggest problem with quantum computing?
A: Decoherence, which is described as “the loss of information from a system into the environment (often modeled as a ‘heat or thermal bath’) since every system is loosely coupled with the energetic state of its surroundings.” Controlling and removing quantum decoherence is the greatest ongoing challenge.
Decoherence may render some quantum algorithms inoperable, as maintaining the state of qubits for a long enough duration will eventually corrupt the superpositions. Read more HERE.
Q: What kinds of problems is quantum consulting suitable for?
A: It is suitable for computing problems of any kind, but the two specific areas most immediately adapted to Quantum Computing are Encryption and its use in Cybersecurity. At the heart of classic RSA encryption is the mathematical problem which relies on the factoring of two prime numbers. Identifying the correct pair using classical computing takes forever. Quantum algorithms can perform this factorization quickly.
Q: How expensive is a quantum computer?
A: Let’s just say you can’t order one on Amazon or E-Bay. D-Wave’s first commercially available Quantum Computer came with a hefty $10 Million dollar price tag. In February SpinQ, a start-up company in China unveiled a ‘home’ quantum computer costing $5 Thousand dollars. We suggest a cautious ‘wait-and-see’ attitude with this product for several reasons, not the least of which is the source.
Q: Why quantum computing can be important for information technology?
A:
IT providers like ITFirm.com who will utilize Quantum Computing will be able to predict and diagnose issues within a network much faster. The ongoing proactive maintenance and repair needs of clients who do utilize Quantum Computing will remain pretty much the way it is now, although the initial on-premises setup will require special measures – for example, Quantum computers need to be kept much colder than classic computers.
Current computers use two different and separate realities for problem solving, where quantum computing creates the ability to combine two realities, making the predictive abilities of the IT team infinitely more accurate and timelier. The result is a far more efficient problem-solving technique. All systems for computing still rely on a fundamental ability of binary digits to store and manipulate information. The computing method used by either classic or Quantum computing does not intrinsically alter the methodologies employed by the IT provider.
How secure is your network?
As a longstanding, reputable member of the Charlotte IT Support community, ITFirm.com offers a FREE, no-risk network and Cybersecurity assessment. We perform a non-intrusive scan that allows us to deliver a comprehensive report of the state of your system and its vulnerabilities that is yours to keep. There are no strings attached, and you are under no obligation to ever use our Managed IT Services.
The two best defenses are next-generation Cybersecurity to protect your data from theft, and a top-notch Managed Services Provider to ensure continued reliability and defenses against newly emerging threats.
We put our 100% Money Back Guarantee in writing, so there is no risk in trying us out. Because we do not require a ‘hard’ contract, our clients can fire us at any time with 30 days’ notice. We have to be good.
Among the Managed IT Services we provide:
IT HelpDesk Service
Onsite IT Support
Cybersecurity
Cloud migration and management
Email migration services
Backup and disaster recovery
VoIP phone systems
IT disposition and recycling
Office moves
White label services (IT to IT)
For more information, or to receive your FREE no-risk network and security assessment, just fill out the form on this page or call us at:
704-565-9705
