Though quantum computers have yet to become reality, there are a number of basic facts one should understand: (1) Quantum computers will not be replacing classical computers. (2) Solving 2^100 could be done in one operation with a quantum computer. (3) Classical systems will be augmented with a quantum computing co-processor; creating a hybrid-system. (4) 50-qubits (stable ones) is considered the tipping point where quantum will finally reign supreme over classical in that a quantum computer with 50 or more stable qubits is expected to be able to produce results to problems classical systems are incapable of ever producing. (5) Stability. 50 qubits are useless if they are not stable; referred to as “coherent”. (6) Quantum software is, as of yet, largely un-explored. (7) Error-correction of qubits is needed to be able to carry a computation through to the end… Thanks to Nick Heath’s work in TechRepublic.
