Quantum computing: The next disruptive tech

Quantum computing is a groundbreaking field set to revolutionize how we solve problems once thought impossible. It incorporates knowledge from fields like computer science, physics, and mathematics and brings computing power to an unprecedented level.

While quantum computers aren't widespread, McKinsey’s latest Quantum Technology Monitor report shows that surging investment and faster-than-expected innovation could propel the quantum market to $100 billion by 2035.

Quantum computing offers groundbreaking computational power that can revolutionize industries across the globe. Understanding its impact is crucial for businesses seeking to stay ahead in the ever-evolving digital landscape, ready for upcoming breakthroughs and opportunities. As traditional computing hits physical and practical limits—and growing pressure arises for sustainable computing solutions—quantum computing is becoming increasingly viable as a near-term disruptor.

In this article, we explain how quantum computing is different from classical computing. We also break down how quantum computing will affect industries like financial services, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing. Plus, we’ll learn how colocation data centers are set to support this rising technology.

What is quantum computing and how does it work?

Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to perform tasks exponentially faster than classical computers. At its core, it uses quantum bits, or qubits, that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, unlike the traditional binary ‘bit’.

In classical computing, a bit is the smallest unit of information, representing a value of 0 or 1. By their very nature, bits exist in a state of “on” or “off”. A qubit, by comparison, is the basic unit of information of quantum computing and can be a 0, 1, or any linear combination of the two.

Superposition and entanglement are the two principles of quantum mechanics that separate quantum computing from its classical predecessor. Understanding how these two foundations work provides clarity into how quantum can process information at unprecedented speeds.

The ability of a qubit to be in multiple states at once is called superposition. This allows quantum computers to tackle complex tasks much more quickly than classical computers. Superposition means that quantum computers can process millions of different states at the same time to solve large-scale problems.

The key principle used in quantum technology is entanglement. This occurs when two particles become interconnected so that the state of one can instantaneously influence the state of another no matter how far they're from each other. This gives quantum computers the ability to perform multiple calculations at once.

The potential application of quantum computing in real world

So, while traditional computers take an impractical amount of time to solve complex mathematical problems and industries that adopt artificial intelligence (AI) have massive datasets that require deeper analysis, classic computing time will only increase.

A quantum computer could solve these problems exponentially faster because it can process multiple calculations simultaneously.

What are the benefits of quantum computing?

• Quantum computing could bring several significant advantages: Solving complex problems faster: Quantum algorithms could offer solutions that are currently beyond reach at an unprecedented speed. This significantly broadens the problem-solving possibilities for organizations.
• Scale faster: Quantum computers can scale at an extraordinary pace. Classic computers scale linearly—adding another processor means one more calculation. However, due to quantum states, quantum processing power increases exponentially with each added qubit, allowing infrastructure to handle increased workloads and meet demand spikes efficiently.
• Efficient energy usage: Quantum computing architecture and operational efficiency could substantially reduce energy requirements as qubit systems require much less energy compared to classical bits. Power requirements could be as low as 35kW, versus 10 – 100 MW for AI Supercomputers. This substantial energy saving aligns technological advancement with sustainability goals.

How can businesses and different industries use quantum computing?

With successful deployment, quantum computing technology offers transformative benefits across various business sectors and industries, such as:

Improving research and development: In life sciences and pharmaceuticals quantum could be used to simulate complex biological systems, such as drug interactions and protein folding. Here, it can significantly accelerate the development of new pharmaceuticals. This reduces both time and cost.

Accelerating AI and machine learning (ML): In industries like financial services and insurance quantum systems can enhance decision-making, pattern recognition, and natural language processing to speed up tasks like risk modelling, predictive analytics, and generative AI. In insurance, quantum computing could enhance claims processing and fraud detection models. It could also help refine actuarial modelling and pricing strategies, ensuring more accurate and fair practices.

Supply chain optimization: In manufacturing and logistics one quantum advantage is processing information and identifying the best solutions from a vast set of possibilities. This could streamline operations and increase efficiency on a massive scale. Additionally, quantum could help optimize tasks like route planning and fleet management.

Modeling: In weather forecasting, quantum machines allow for more accurate models for biological systems and predictions. They could outperform current AI supercomputers to aid in complex environmental conservation and planning issues.

Large number work: In fields like data security and disaster recovery, classical bits limit the size of mathematical problems we can solve. The field of quantum computing could allow much faster management of currently impossible equations.

How colocation and data centers support quantum computing

Enterprises that may want to realize the quantum advantage are facing a significant skills gap. The quantum computing workforce is an extremely limited field, and companies need time to either hire rare specialists or retain existing employees in quantum algorithms, programing languages, and hybrid classical-quantum system architectures.

Building in-house expertise and investing in infrastructure may require significant capital expenditure, which may hold IT teams back from reaching adoption and innovation.

Yet, early movers will gain a huge competitive advantage. Carrier neutral data centers, like Digital Realty, offer direct access to the quantum advantage—allowing customers to maintain control while eliminating complexity.

Colocation data centers are vital in reaching quantum computing's full potential. With scalability at their core, colocation data centers enable quantum computing to expand seamlessly, meeting the increasing demands of data processing and computational tasks. They also provide high-performance connectivity with enterprise-grade security and reliability, essential for quantum computing operations.

From concept to reality: Future-proofing your infrastructure

Quantum computing is rapidly moving from concept to reality. Partners at the forefront of harnessing the technology’s full power need the infrastructure to support its security and performance demands.

Digital Realty's carrier-dense neutral data centers provide a globally trusted environment offering direct, low-latency access to quantum computing resources, while maintaining the highest security standards.

By leveraging Digital Realty’s ServiceFabric® and colocation solutions, enterprises get access to the secure, ultra-low-latency connectivity required for quantum computing. Our private, high-assurance fabric protects sensitive workloads by confining them within a trusted environment that aligns with stringent regulatory and compliance requirements.

Learn how Digital Realty’s data center solutions are poised for quantum computing. Contact us to get quantum-ready and future-proof your infrastructure.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What are the basic principles of quantum computing?
Quantum computing operates on the principles of superposition and entanglement, using qubits to represent a unit of information in many states simultaneously. These allow it to process complex computations more efficiently than classical computing.

What hardware is used for quantum computing?
Quantum computers use highly specialized hardware, including superconducting qubits, ion traps, magnetic fields, and photonic systems. This hardware can be highly fragile and requires exacting conditions to work correctly.

What is the main idea of quantum computing?
The main idea of quantum computing is to use the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations at speeds unattainable by traditional computers and AI models. By using qubits to represent multiple states at once, we see quantum supremacy versus classic computing.

What problems can quantum computers solve?
In theory, quantum computers can more efficiently solve complex problems in optimization, discovery, and modeling. Their best use cases could come in running algorithms and problems that are simply too large or complex for our current computing resources to realistically handle.