Quantum computing becomes reality

What: We unveiled the Honeywell System Model H1 quantum computer this year, which has a 128-
Quantum Volume. Businesses looking to use quantum computing as part of their technology plan can
now purchase the computer.

Why it's novel: By concentrating on minimizing errors and creating the highest caliber quantum
operations, one can have confidence that quantum computers will provide solutions to issues that can
currently be verified by classical techniques. Trust in the correctness of the underlying technology
becomes crucial as these challenges get more complex and difficult for conventional computers to
address.

Scientists have theorized about the potential of quantum computing — that is,
a new approach to computation that uses probabilities, rather than binary
signals, to make calculations — for decades. But in recent years, both private
and public sector investment into developing quantum computers has grown
significantly, with one report projecting investments of more than $800
million in 2021 alone.

Infosys partnered with quantum cybersecurity firm Quintessence Labs to

develop a hybrid solution that first generates true random keys with
a quantum random number generator, and then funnels those keys into
classical cryptographic algorithms and encryption systems. This approach
makes it possible to generate truly random, unpredictable numbers for use in
a wide variety of existing commercial applications, enabling a new level of
cybersecurity for any organization that works with large quantities of sensitive
data.

Machine Learning
Machine learning algorithms depend on highly intensive (and expensive) computation
power to extract learnings from large datasets. Especially when it comes to analyzing
datasets that are highly imbalanced — that is, where the cases you care about identifying
are extremely rare — quantum computing could both dramatically reduce costs and
improve these models’ effectiveness.

These applications might sound like science fiction, but they are very real.
While quantum computers still have a long way to go before they’re ready for
prime time, businesses are already leveraging quantum technologies in hybrid
solutions, blending the old with the new to build a bridge between the reality
of today and the potential of tomorrow. Investing in this hybrid strategy now
is the best way for companies to develop the expertise in quantum principles
and software development that will become critical as these technologies reach
maturity. It also means that regardless of how exactly quantum hardware
develops and which platforms ultimately emerge as industry standards, the
algorithms being developed today will be able to operate on almost any type of
quantum hardware (rather than being limited to just one system). Ultimately,
taking a hybrid approach enables companies to serve customers today, while
getting a leg up on the future — even if some of the technology involved is still
catching up.