We’ve talked about cloud computing plenty of times before on this blog, but we haven’t really talked about quantum computing much at all! We know it can seem like an intimidating subject, but in reality it’s actually pretty simple when you break it down. Quantum computing will allow computers to carry out certain tasks much faster than regular computers by taking advantage of the weirdness of quantum mechanics (hence the name!). 

What is Cloud Computing?

Cloud computing is a type of cloud computing in which data, applications, and services are provided to computers, as well as other devices like tablets or smartphones over a network. This service is delivered through what’s called IaaS or Infrastructure as a Service to give users access to remote servers over a network. In addition to that, there’s also PaaS or Platform as a Service for developers who want an application development platform to build their apps on top of. 

And lastly, SaaS or Software as a Service for businesses who want software hosted on someone else’s hardware instead of building it themselves. It’s important to note here that although many people use these terms interchangeably, they aren’t all exactly alike. The main difference between them is where your data resides: On premises (in your own private server) or off premises (in a public server).

What Is Quantum Computing?

Quantum computers use a different technique to store information. In classic computing, bits can be in only two states: 0 or 1. Quantum computers, on the other hand, can exist in multiple states at once 0, 1 and all other numbers in between. For example, you could have a qubit that is both 0 and 1 simultaneously. This property of quantum mechanics is called superposition. It allows quantum computers to perform certain calculations much faster than regular computers can. That’s because they process information in parallel rather than sequentially, as regular computers do. 

A quantum computer with 300 qubits would have more potential configurations or states than there are atoms in our universe. More states mean more possible solutions to a problem, which means quantum computers can solve problems that regular computers cannot. 

How Does Cloud Computing Work With Quantum Computing, Then?

Quantum based computers are based on different principles than their traditional cousins. While normal computers store information in bits, which can have only a 1 or 0 value at any time, quantum computers use qubits that can be 1, 0 or both at once and it’s these extra values that enable quantum computers to do things faster than normal computers. 

Quantum computers also take advantage of quantum entanglement, where two particles become connected such that changing one particle changes another particle no matter how far apart they are. Quantum entanglement is what makes quantum encryption possible, but it also means quantum based computers can perform calculations simultaneously. 

This speed boost means quantum based systems will be able to run through all possible answers very quickly, even if there are billions of them. Quantum computers have been in development for decades, but recent advances in quantum theory mean we’re getting closer to a usable system. While quantum computers aren’t here yet, some companies like Google have invested heavily in quantum research because it could lead to huge advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Should Companies Use It Right Now To Store Data and Processes That Involve Sensitive Information?

Cloud computing is safer than traditional data storage, because your sensitive files are hosted by a reputable third party. The same can’t be said for quantum cloud computing. Large companies like Google and Microsoft have been working on quantum computers for years, but there’s still much we don’t know about these complex devices. While these computers will likely offer exciting new ways to protect digital information, they will be expensive to use if they even become widely available at all. For now, it might be best to wait until quantum cloud computing becomes more common before you trust it with your company’s most valuable assets.