Ctg sit23 hub banner.jpg

Quantum computing's future is in the cloud, not the datacentre

Early examples of quantum computers are already hosted in the cloud

Image:

Early examples of quantum computers are already hosted in the cloud

But don’t overlook diligence and due process in the rush to higher speeds, warns EY’s Harvey Lewis

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutise classic computing. It could be as great a shift in thinking as the idea of a general purpose computing machine, introduced in Alan Turing's ‘On Computable Numbers'.

Much like the in Turing's time, we now face two classes of machine that - on the face of it - do the same thing. In the early 20^th century, it was calculators and computers; now, it is silicon and quantum architecture.

While it's true that a classic computer can - potentially - solve any problem a quantum computer could, the issue is doing so in a feasible amount of time. A quantum computer can do in minutes what would take a classic computer hundreds or thousands of years, making them an attractive proposition - especially for environmental science.

"One of the core applications of quantum computers is around optimisation," says Harvey Lewis, associate partner and chief data scientist for tax and law at EY. "It's something they're very good at because of the way that they can consider multiple solutions simultaneously, and then collapse down all of those different states into the one that works... [And] the thing with optimisation is you can do quite a lot that has a significant benefit from an environmental perspective."

Quantum computers are very good at optimisation: in fact, they're already in use for exactly this. But more complex functions are also well within the realms of possibility. That could include developing new chemicals to enhance energy storage, more effectively scrub carbon out of the air, or even creating non-toxic versions of existing components. That's all thanks to quantum computers' ability to simulate individual molecules, lowering material discovery time to months - even days.

"Investigating and finding new materials is, I think, a very significant impact upon our ability to combat climate change."

The environment and technology's impact on it is a big topic in the industry. It's a rare CIO today who hasn't been asked about reducing emissions or cutting power consumption - or perhaps the board has simply mandated it from above, leaving the specifics up to the IT department. Joy.

It might be very easy just to assume that all of those things are getting looked after

The good news is that quantum computers are many, many times more power efficient than traditional silicon-based models. The bad news, of course, is that they are years away from becoming a commercial reality - and even when they do, they won't be cheap.

"Not everyone can afford to build a quantum computer, so I think it's inevitable that we'll see access to this kind of computing become more available on the cloud," says Lewis. Some companies already offer very limited and specific quantum computing in this fashion, which could keep costs down in the future - but of course there's a warning note.

"Often organisations go through a really good diligence process when it comes to cloud computing; making sure, for example, that their data's secure. They've got processes in place for managing all of that. I think as quantum computers come online, it's more limited choice, and it might be very easy just to assume that all of those things are getting looked after.

"I'd certainly want to encourage our clients to make sure that they didn't overlook existing diligence and governance processes when it comes to quantum computing, because the same principles obviously need to apply."

The future of quantum computing is very much uncertain. It will almost certainly be revolutionary, but when you really get down to the brass tacks of how it will all work, things become much more murky. There are questions ranging from issues of diligence and compliance, to the data centre market of the future.

"The real problem that we've got to be conscious of is it is sort of difficult to predict. If we think about the way in which quantum computers can perform simulations, then is there a possibility that the advent of quantum computers brings us more data, not less? And in general terms we're generating more data anyway, so unless there's a specific dedicated effort to change the mindset and technical approaches so that everyone consumes less data in the same way we consume less meat, there is still a good probability that quantum computers won't fix that problem. We'll still have data centres - they might get even bigger.

"In the short term, businesses have first got to understand and grasp what quantum computing is all about. Once they've got that understanding, then these larger problems will emerge and come to light."

Quantum computing's future is in the cloud, not the datacentre

But don’t overlook diligence and due process in the rush to higher speeds, warns EY’s Harvey Lewis

Components

Tata's UK gigafactory project takes major step forward

Artificial Intelligence

Cost of GenAI is a negative for software companies, Gartner

Public Sector

National Grid is turning analogue to digital - Ctrl Alt Lead podcast