The concept of quantum computing had existed in the laboratories of scientists many years. These ultra-lightening thinking machines do not operate in the same manner that we are accustomed to operating the computers we use on a daily basis. The bits utilized in our normal computers are either a 1 or a 0. Quantum computers have a types of bit which is special in that it may be a 1, a 0 or a combination of both simultaneously. This allows them to perform division and multiplication that would otherwise require a computer thousands of years to do.
It is now the big question; Are these incredible machines now really beginning to come out of safe, cold laboratories and begin to apply themselves to real-world business issues? The answer is a clear yes. The era of quantum computers is now gradually shifting rapidly to pure-science to early-business tests.
Why Now? The Cloud Connection
The internet is the key factor that is bring quantum computing out of the lab. The sale of a quantum computer is not important to most companies. One of them can be implemented via the internet, in a cloud.
Open Access: The access to the machines has been made available online by companies that produce these machines such as IBM and Google. This implies that a small business can use some minutes to rent time on a quantum computer to run a test. They do not have to spend millions of dollars in order to construct their machine.
Learning the Rules: This cloud access gives thousands of scientists and business people a chance to study how to compose special code which such machines require. This is a learning technology that is producing technology that is increasing at a faster pace.
As such, the cloud has made the quantum computer more than a toy in a laboratory and made it something which anybody can attempt to use.
The First Real-World Tests
Initial quantum computers are used by the first companies that are not attempting to solve all the problems simultaneously. They are concentrating on some very hard jobs that the normal computers cannot match.
1. Finding New Materials:
The quantum computers are quite proficient in learning about the functioning of atoms and molecules. This is really of great assistance to those companies that produce new materials.
Better Batteries: Car firms are implementing quantum computers in order to create improved batteries that are capable of holding additional power and charge quicker.
New Medicines: Drugs companies are employing them in understanding the way a new medicine will react with the human body. This increases the rate at which new cures to sickness are discovered.
2. Making Money Decisions:
Quantum computers are being employed by banks and money companies in order to make improved decisions on where to invest their funds.
Risk Management: They are able to consider thousands of possible market situations simultaneously. This makes them know about the danger of a poor investment in a speed much higher than that of a regular computer.
Optimization: They are using them to find the best way to move goods around the world. For example, finding the fastest route for a fleet of trucks or the best way to load a cargo ship.
The Problems That Remain
Even though quantum computers are starting to leave the lab, they still have big problems.
The Cold: Most quantum computers must be kept colder than space. They need special refrigerators that are very expensive and hard to keep running.
Errors: These machines are very sensitive. Even a tiny bit of heat or noise can cause them to make a mistake. Scientists are still working hard to make them more reliable.
Small Size: The machines are still very small. They can only do small jobs right now. They are not ready to run a whole company’s computer system.
However, the progress is clear. Every year, the machines get a little bigger and a little more stable.
The Final Outlook
Quantum computing is not going to replace your home computer next year. The all-purpose computer brain is safe for now. Instead, quantum computers will work in the background, solving the hardest problems that no other machine can touch.
The early commercial tests are important because they show that the technology is real and can help business. This will bring more money and more smart people to the field. In conclusion, the quantum computer is out of the lab and in the hands of business. It is a slow start, but it is a start that will change the world.
