HOW DOES QUANTUM COMPUTER CHANGE BUSINESS?
[4] BBC “D-Wave: Is $15m machine a glimpse of future computing?” (20/5/2014)
“We’re at the dawn of the quantum-computing age, and it’s really up to us to execute.”, said Vern Brownell, the CEO of D-Wave systems. [1] Since the theory of quantum computer was suggested, many companies such as IBM, Microsoft and D-Wave have spent enormous time and money on developing this future technology. Due to the limitation of conventional CPU data processing speed, this powerful computer is highly sought after by the industry. Even though the amount of data generated worldwide is rocketing due to the spread of smartphones and the advancement of technology, we may be unable to fully utilize them since the data cannot be processed quickly. As such, many technology companies are turning to quantum computer, hoping that it can be commercialized one day.
What exactly is quantum computer? How is quantum computer different from conventional computer? To put it simply, quantum computer can calculate large numbers much faster than current computers using so-called “qubit”. Qubits are differentiated in two special ways: Superposition and Entanglement. [2] While normal bits are in the state of either “0” or “1”, qubits can be “0” and ”1” at the same time. This means that qubits can deal with more data than conventional bits in the same given time. This is called superposition. In addition, qubits have unique features of entanglement. Qubits are correlated so strongly that they can be together instantaneously even if they are separated by long distances. This entanglement greatly improves the efficiency of calculation, allowing them to process data much faster.
Using quantum computers, the industry hopes to solve a lot of problems it is facing. Let’s take the example of IBM, which started its research on quantum computer earlier than other competitors and has been trying to solve real world issues using this future computer. [3] IBM has utilized quantum computer in the optimization of airline operations. Airline companies currently face several problems, all of which require quick calculations to get the optimized solution. In the case of Irregular operations (IROP), $15～$22 billion USD is spent per year for plane changes, maintenance delays, diversion management and so on. This results in a big loss for airline companies, leading IBM to turn to quantum computer for solutions. For example, diversion management costs a fortune because thousands of airplanes are flying at the same time and if one unanticipated event happens to one plane, many other planes have to be rescheduled, delayed or rerouted. Normally, this is laborious task for staffs as they have to make calculations quickly. As such, IBM has installed a form of quantum computer to a relevant company. After inputting several factors such as the expected reduction in take-off and landing capacity, remaining flight times and fuel and so on, the quantum computer is used to calculate and draw decisions over business operations (diverting or delaying some of the incoming flights and putting some of the incoming flights on hold). With that, the company resolved vital issues and optimized their operations which would not have been accomplished so quickly without quantum computers.
As we saw in the case of airline operation supported by IBM, quantum computer has a big potential for improving the data processing speed, leading us to a new information era. Once quantum computer is commercialized, we will be able to solve some complicated issues such as operation management and supply chain management, especially in industrial settings. In this competitive age, it is anticipated that the one who best utilizes quantum computer to its fullest potential will be the next game changer.
[Sources]
2) https://uwaterloo.ca/institute-for-quantum-computing/quantum-computing-101#Superposition-and-entanglement
3) Yianni Gamvros from IBM, presenter at Quantum Computing for Business on 5/12/2017 https://www.q2b.us/
4) https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-27264552
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2 comments on “HOW DOES QUANTUM COMPUTER CHANGE BUSINESS?”
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Interesting post! I agree that quantum will be a great tool for different optimization problem, like the one you mentioned ( for optimizing the organization of flights and supply chains). Moreover, I think another important aspects of Quantum computer would be that it can advance research in the scientific research. For examples, for simulating molecular interactions in the atomic level could help us invent new materials, using quantum computer to more efficiently shuffle through data could help us to boost the development speed of machine learning. Therefore, I think quantum computer will impact business in a multitude of ways in addition to directly optimizing resources usage.
Thanks for your nice comments.! Your point is absolutely right. Actually, AI is being installed in pharmaceutical industry. Normally, it’s very difficult to discovery new drug. So they are quite interested in AI right now. If you seek your career in business, you cannot miss this trend.