Rise of the Quantum Ecosystem
Quantum’s Road To Commercialization
Excerpts and salient points ~
+ [Q]uantum computing started as a specialized field, only accessible to researchers and scientists. Today, millions of developers can access quantum processors via the cloud, bringing about a surge in early adoption and the identification of hundreds of early applications. We’re already seeing companies apply quantum computers in problems with potential real-world impact — everything from optimizing taxi routes to digital advertising.
Over the past two decades, quantum computing has undergone a transformation from a largely scientific and theoretical field to an increasingly tangible product. The shift from prototype to commercialization has been a historical “make or break” moment for many emerging technologies. Innovations either pass through this inflection point unscathed or fall victim to a combination of overhyped promises and immature tech.
We’re witnessing such a moment in quantum computing today. We’re seeing the beginning of commercialization with some advanced quantum technologies, and the next few years will be crucial to proving quantum’s commercial viability.
+ A major catalyst for this momentum toward commercialization was the aforementioned emergence of cloud access to quantum computers at accessible price points. Now that the barriers to access have dramatically diminished, we’re seeing three key indicators emerge that signal quantum’s commercial viability: an increase in early adoption from category leaders, the emergence of entrepreneurial “quantum pioneers” and the rise of a supporting ecosystem in the form of independent software vendors (ISVs) and consulting firms.
+ The third indicator of quantum’s maturation as a market is the emergence of a supporting services ecosystem — including quantum consultancies and ISVs.
+ From ISVs to infrastructure providers, quantum hardware to software and services, the quantum ecosystem is heating up beyond technology vendors alone. QC Ware just announced its Forge cloud service, a platform that lets users run problems on a range of quantum hardware. (Full disclosure: QC Ware is a D-Wave partner.) The Boston Consulting Group has grown its group of quantum experts to advise vendors on how to get started with quantum computing. Other quantum consultants have jumped into the conversation, including Accenture and boutique agencies around the world. Analyst firms like Gartner have turned their focus to quantum computing recently, and are publishing increasingly prescriptive content on when and how to start using quantum systems.
Source: Forbes. Jeremy Hilton, Quantum’s Road To Commercialization…
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