Quantum Computers Now?
A Canadian company is claiming they have the first commercially viable quantum computer.
“D-Wave’s breakthrough in quantum technology represents a substantial step forward in solving commercial and scientific problems which, until now, were considered intractable. Digital technology stands to reap the benefits of enhanced performance and broader application,” said Herb Martin, chief executive officer.
Quantum-computer technology can solve what is known as “NP-complete” problems. These are the problems where the sheer volume of complex data and variables prevent digital computers from achieving results in a reasonable amount of time. Such problems are associated with life sciences, biometrics, logistics, parametric database search and quantitative finance, among many other commercial and scientific areas.
Quantum technology delivers precise answers to problems that can only be answered today in general terms. This creates a new and much broader dimension of computer applications,” Martin said.
What this means, if true, is that unbelievable leaps forward in technology will be upon us that make the stuff we’ve seen in the last 100 years seem like a joke. Quantum computing makes calculations possible that were only a scientist’s pipe dream. I hope this is true.
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