It’s Not The Classical and It’s Not The Quantum: It’s Both
Classical Computing and Quantum Computing Can Work Together
Selected notes ~
+ Quantum computing’s major strength doesn’t lie in simply analyzing Big Data. While the speed of quantum is extremely impressive, massaging massive data amounts is actually more in the realm of high-performance computing and supercomputers. The real source of quantum’s strength lies in its ability to provide new insights by drawing more information from smaller amounts of data that can be intensively and extensively analyzed from multiple directions.
Breathless ‘end of the classical computer’ articles, quantum supremacy and ‘broken security’ hysterics to the contrary, pitting classical versus quantum computing is not the issue. What is at issue is determining how to most effectively exploit each architecture.
+ Today, the challenge lies in identifying the exact problems or parts of a problem that can best be addressed via a quantum computing device. Performing these tests and experiments is also helping to reveal ways to improve some algorithms to run even faster and more accurately on classical computers.
+ Classical computing is based on well-understood models of logic and mathematics. It is actually based on how we think about and analyze the world around us. Experience and detailed models allow us to predict outcomes and measure results against expectations. We know how to articulate problems and structure algorithms with precision. None of this holds for quantum; where we are just learning how to do all that in quantum terms. It’s critical to begin engaging with this new evolution in computing technology. Not necessarily to become experts in the theoretical aspects, but to understand the change in thinking about how things operate to discover how it might be useful. Operating in a quantum environment requires a unique, almost philosophical view of problems. There’s no doubt that it has the potential to radically alter how problems are viewed, articulated and solved.
Source: IBM Systems. Richard Ptak, Classical Computing and Quantum Computing Can Work Together …
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