Alexandra Levits Water Cooler Wisdom Quantum Computing Takes Center Stage

Alexandra Levit's Water Cooler Wisdom Quantum Computing Takes Center Stage New Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made headlines recently when he explained quantum computing during a press event. Quantum computing, despite its sexiness, is not all that new, but in this post, we’ll explore certain recent developments IT and Project Management pros should be aware of. Justin Trudeau is getting a reputation: not as a scion of government but as a knowledgeable scientist. The Washington Postnicely summed up the reaction to his unexpected explanation of quantum computing: “A bit of genius,” rhapsodized New Yorkmagazine, while Gizmodo’sheadline said, “Everyone Should Be Able to Explain Quantum Computing Like Justin Trudeau.” Even the Guardian’s science blog, whilearguing that“we should raise our expectations,” called his explanation “quite a good one.” Although the Post said that Trudeau’s explanation wasn’t quite right, the incident set off a flurry of commentary around the field known as quantum computing. Initiated by the work of Paul BenioffandYuri Maninin 1980,Richard Feynmanin 1982,andDavid Deutschin 1985. quantum computing is an alternative to classical computing that leverages theories of quantum mechanics. Unlike classical computing, which uses a zero or one and must be in one of these two states at any given moment, quantum can be in both a zero and a one state at the same time. This is known as a “superposition.” “Quantum computing uses these superpositions â€" as well as another concept called entanglementâ€"to compute in an entirely different way,” said Jay Gambetta, manager of the Theory Quantum Information Group at IBM, in an interview for Baseline. “It uses qubits [Quantum bits] that can compute over multiple paths simultaneously. In a practical sense, a quantum computer would deliver answers at far greater speeds than today’s digital computers, including supercomputers.” In 2015, Baseline reported on an IBM announcement of two critical advances that could eventually lead to the development of aquantum computer. IBM had demonstrated an ability to detect and measure both kinds of quantum errors simultaneously, as well as demonstrate a new square quantum bit circuit design that could successfully scale to larger dimensions. For the rest of the post, check out QuickBases Fast Track blog.