Quantum Computing Is Almost Ready For Business, Startup Says (fastcompany.com) 41
An anonymous reader quotes a report from Fast Company: Today the [Berkeley-based startup Rigetti] launched a project in the mold of Amazon Web Services (AWS) called Quantum Cloud Services. "What this platform achieves for the very first time is an integrated computing system that is the first quantum cloud services architecture," says Chad Rigetti, founder and CEO of his namesake company. The dozen initial users Rigetti has announced include biotech and chemistry companies harnessing quantum technology to study complex molecules in order to develop new drugs. The particular operations that the quantum end of the system can do, while still limited and error-prone, are nearly good enough to boost the performance of traditional computers beyond what they could do on their own -- a coming milestone called quantum advantage. "My guess is this could happen anytime from six to 36 months out," says Rigetti.
So-called hybrid algorithms leveraging both systems are able to spot and correct some errors. And even imperfect results from quantum computers can be good enough in many cases, either flat-out exceeding what traditional computer technology can do, or producing results faster or cheaper. Rigetti has been playing this angle, creating a software development kit called Forest (because it's an ecosystem, says Chad) that allows programmers to access hybrid systems. Like other companies such as IBM, Rigetti has been allowing developers to access small-scale quantum computers online to essentially start working out how to program for them. [...] Rigetti is now inviting customers to apply for free access to these systems, toward the goal of developing a real-world application that achieves quantum advantage. As an extra incentive, the first to make it wins a $1 million prize.
So-called hybrid algorithms leveraging both systems are able to spot and correct some errors. And even imperfect results from quantum computers can be good enough in many cases, either flat-out exceeding what traditional computer technology can do, or producing results faster or cheaper. Rigetti has been playing this angle, creating a software development kit called Forest (because it's an ecosystem, says Chad) that allows programmers to access hybrid systems. Like other companies such as IBM, Rigetti has been allowing developers to access small-scale quantum computers online to essentially start working out how to program for them. [...] Rigetti is now inviting customers to apply for free access to these systems, toward the goal of developing a real-world application that achieves quantum advantage. As an extra incentive, the first to make it wins a $1 million prize.
So basically quantum business computing is ready.. (Score:5, Funny)
...and it is not?
New era (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3, Insightful)
That's right, it's a new era when the terms on the bullshitbingo cards need to be changed.
Re: (Score:2)
I have mod points but I'm more interested in this subject.
I agree with you!
It's like Apple shaping the market for iPhones by producing different coloured cases.
I mean, goddam!
Seriously?
And "hybrid," is a hazy place to hide.
How much "hy," and how much "brid?"
As for the fucking "prize" model, just who in Sam Hill in this industry isn't bilingual and knows full well the translation:
Invent it for us.
Just A Million? (Score:1)
Re: Just A Million? (Score:3)
Re: (Score:3, Informative)
Shor's algorithm is only applicable to asymmetric encryption algorithms like RSA and ECC. It would absolutely destroy them, rendering them useless.
However, for symmetric ciphers like AES you are limited to Grover's algorithm ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/... [wikipedia.org] ), that merely reduces the key length in half, so just moving from AES-128 to AES-256 would make us safe again.
Re:"traditional computers" already have a "boost" (Score:5, Insightful)
Notice no tech company want to use this quantum bullshit? Could it be that anyone with a tech background knows it fucking sucks?
I don't think this particular grade of bullshit is aimed at people with a tech background. It's aimed at investors who have money to toss into the wishing well and who are dazzled by technobabble.
The description could have worked in the phrases "blockchain", "AI", "nanotech" and, oh, why not, "artisinal" and "homeopathic". They could possibly even have squeezed in a couple of Goop's jade vaginal eggs. Why not?
Re: (Score:2)
Precisely.
It's rick-rolled Nigerian prince scam.
This is very much a lie (Score:5, Insightful)
Realistically, QCs that are worth anything are > 30 years out and very likely will not materialize at all, due to extremely bad scaling. That some startup promises the world to deliver nothing is nothing new though.
Re: (Score:2)
The singularity is utter and complete nonsense, dreamed up by people without a clue how things work. Yes, that includes Marvin "the Moron" Minsky.
Re:This is very much a lie (Score:4, Insightful)
So, is this marketing BS or an attempt to get free developer effort to promote the platform? Or both?
Re: (Score:2)
Hehehe, indeed
Re: (Score:2)
Yes.
Your product is OK, but ours includes "push technology," and "automatic fine tuning," with Bluetooth compatibility, and wireless charging.
Re: (Score:2)
Yep.
As QC gains moving parts, the Uncertainty Principle causes the unpredictability to rise exponentially.
I'm studying this field (see what I did there) and it's WAY too early.
Hell, anyone can grab some YouTubes where experts discuss the state of the art and they specifically verbalize your 30-year timeline and, in fact, concede that we may never fabricate a QC beyond 100 qubits.
Just in time! (Score:1)
I'll use it to run the new Duke Nukem release.
Re: (Score:2)
Re: (Score:2)
Don't you get bored playing old games [wikipedia.org]?
Re: (Score:1)
It was supposed to be a joke about "almost there" releases.
Re: (Score:2)
Yeah, you need to update your jokes, ol' timer.
Teleporters are also almost ready for business (Score:2)
almost here.... (Score:3)
Like AI, Like Self driving cars, like a useful- secure - affordable purpose for blockchain!!!
Similar experience ... (Score:2)
... happened when I was in this man's Navy, NAS JAX, ca. 1967.
A popular item was a device that claimed to increase the power of the spark plugs in vehicles by using "embedded transistor."
You removed the wire from the center of the distributor and placed a doohicky between it and the socket, and plugged it back in.
Cool.
But I'm thinking (being an electronics technician), "So, a transistor, which has three leads, is in series with a single wire. How could a transistor possible provide amplification that way?"
S
Re: (Score:2)