Quantum science, engineered for enterprise.
Frequently asked
quantum questions.
Today’s fully quantum computers and quantum simulators are large enough to explore potential use cases by integrating them with classical computers. While hybrid solutions might demonstrate quantum advantage, most applications will more likely require additional hardware development before this is possible. It is nonetheless possible to benchmark these solutions on smaller versions of the problem to determine whether the advantage is expected.
Quantum-inspired solutions, on the other hand, make it possible to solve larger instances. These solutions, though lacking the full power of quantum computing, approach problems in a similar way and may offer advantages over legacy methods. In addition, their design offers a straightforward translation to fully quantum computers and makes them a useful window into their performance.
Most experts predict that within the next few years we will have a large enough quantum computer to enable an advantage for some real business problems. However, it is still unclear exactly which problem it will be. Most expect that quantum advantage will first be achieved in one of three areas: machine learning, simulation of quantum materials (e.g. chemistry), or optimization.
Quantum computers are known to be efficient for factoring numbers. They can efficiently simulate solid-state compounds and molecules, enabling the design of new chemicals, materials and drugs. Quantum scientists have also built heuristics for solving hard instances of optimization problems. See many more use cases here – many of these solutions still require significant improvements to quantum hardware technology before they will be available.
It may seem like you have a few years to wait before quantum computers are powerful enough to deliver an advantage. However, only the organizations that prepare to transition to quantum computing well in advance will be the first to reap that advantage.
You can start upgrading your infrastructure today by building the workflows you will need to leverage quantum computing. This includes a streamlined process for storing and cleaning data and ensuring compliance with security and governance policies. You can start building these workflows today on our Orquestra® platform, using the most advanced quantum-inspired, classical, or hybrid quantum-classical compute resources available today and swapping in more powerful quantum devices in the future.
You can also start building your quantum team, including quantum scientists and engineers as well as domain experts who understand the business problems to be solved. Whether you’re upskilling existing talent or recruiting new talent, this will take time, and if you wait too long, the brightest minds will be hired by somebody else. Working with external consultants can also help you identify use cases, anticipate hurdles, and upgrade your infrastructure.
Yes. In 1994, Peter Shor demonstrated that a large enough fault-tolerant quantum computer (FTQC) would be able to compromise the RSA encryption scheme used to secure most of the world’s sensitive data. Other encryption schemes are vulnerable to similar quantum attacks.
In response, the US National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) launched a process to find new post-quantum cryptography (PQC) schemes that can withstand quantum attack. This is an urgent priority: while estimates suggest it may be 10-15 years before quantum can pose a security threat, hackers are already exfiltrating encrypted data today with the goal of decrypting it later with quantum. The world needs to shift to PQC as soon as possible.
However, it’s unclear which PQC schemes will ultimately be successful, and even schemes that appear safe today may become vulnerable in the future. For this reason, we believe any PQC migration must prioritize flexibility and forward compatibility. To keep our customers protected, we are building this crypto-agility into our Orquestra® platform. Through partnerships with quantum security solution vendors, we will ensure our customers have access to the safest PQC schemes available so they can adapt quickly to future threats.
For more detailed information on quantum cybersecurity, see our dedicated FAQ.
