Enter the world of quantum computing at Think 2018

By March 7, 2018

IBM DS8880F, New Mainframe, Quantum Computing, Storage Solutions

Classical computers have been and will continue to be a driving problem-solving force, but many of the world’s biggest mysteries and potentially greatest opportunities remain beyond their grasp. To continue the pace of progress, we need to augment the classical approach to computing with a new platform. Here at IBM, we believe that quantum computers will augment classical computing to potentially open doors that we once thought would remain locked indefinitely.

Quantum computers are incredibly powerful machines that offer a novel approach to processing information. Built on the principles of quantum mechanics, they exploit complex and fascinating laws of nature that are always there, but usually remain hidden from view. By harnessing such natural behavior, quantum computers can run new types of algorithms to process information more holistically.

This radically new computing platform uses qubits to calculate information in a fundamentally different way from classical machines. Classical computing is based on the binary system, where the fundamental carriers of information, bits, can take on a value of either a 0 or 1. Unlike bits, qubits are a complex combination of the 0 and 1 states, enabling them to store and compute information in a very different way.

quantum computing center

Quantum computers will potentially impact modern IT infrastructure in a big way. Last year we launched IBM Q, an initiative bringing together thought leaders in systems, research, engineering, physics, software development and many other fields to build universal quantum computers for business and science. At Think 2018, March 19–22, in Las Vegas, you will have an exclusive opportunity to meet IBM Q experts and our partners to learn about what they’re doing to advance quantum computing.

At this first-of-its-kind event, IBM Business Partners, industry leaders, product developers and clients will gather to share ideas and experiences and to hear from quantum computing thought leaders. There will be an IBM Q 50-qubit quantum computer prototype model on display, and several sessions throughout the event will help you to learn more about quantum computing. We will be covering everything from the basics to how to run an algorithm using IBM Q Experience, a platform for experimenting with and advancing quantum computing, and QISKit, an open-source quantum software developer kit. Be sure to check out the following sessions to learn a lot more about quantum computing and visit the Infrastructure Campus at Think to see what a quantum computer looks like.

From sci-fi to reality – Quantum computing is here: Join Arvind Krishna, Senior Vice President of Hybrid Cloud and Director of IBM Research for a keynote presentation on how quantum computers have become a reality at IBM, and learn how scientists are using the principles of quantum mechanics to rethink the entire computing stack. Moreover, hear what companies are doing to become quantum ready for a new era of computing and the roadmap for IBM Q Network—a commercial program that we anticipate will deliver powerful results for businesses within a few years.
Speaker: Arvind Krishna, Senior Vice President of Hybrid Cloud and Director of IBM Research Mandalay Bay Events Center, 11:30AM to 12:10PM, Wednesday March 21

Quantum potential: Acquaint yourself with the exciting world of quantum computing and learn about the next steps needed to make quantum computing a reality.
Speaker: Bob Sutor, Vice President, IBM Q Strategy and Ecosystem
Infrastructure Campus, 12:30 to 1:10PM, Thursday March 22

Meet IBM Q – Bringing quantum computing to business and science: Academic institutions, Fortune 500 companies and research labs are joining IBM Q Network to explore applications of quantum computing. Learn more about what it means to be a part of the IBM Q Network in this session.
Speaker: Anthony Annunziata, Associate Director, IBM Q Network
Infrastructure Campus, 1:30 to 1:50PM and 1:55 to 2:15PM, Thursday March 22

Does quantum computing matter to my business yet? As quantum technology reaches an inflection point, scientists continue to make significant progress through the entire quantum computing technology stack. Attend this session to gain an understanding of which industries may be disrupted first by quantum and the actions that any business needs to take now to become quantum ready.
Speaker: Chris Schnabel, IBM Q Offering Manager

Infrastructure Campus, 1:30 to 1:50PM and 1:55 to 2:15PM, Thursday March 22

The quantum marathon – The first quantum applications: On the heels of blockchain and IBM Watson innovations, quantum computing is likely to be next in line to provide a powerful set of services delivered through the IBM Cloud. At this session, get in on the inside track to learning more about what we anticipate may be quantum’s first use case.

Speaker: Chris Wood, Theory of Quantum Computing and Information Group, IBM Research
Infrastructure Campus, 1:30 to 1:50PM and 1:55 to 2:15PM Thursday March 22

Get Acquainted with the World of Quantum Computing and IBM Q

Quantum computing harnesses quantum phenomena to process information in a novel and promising way, and has the potential to solve problems that for all practical purposes are unsolvable by today’s classical computers. Join this session to learn how scientists are using the principles of quantum mechanics to rethink the entire computing stack and make quantum computing a reality.

Speaker: Erick Winston, Theory of Quantum Computing and Information Group, IBM Research
Infrastructure Campus, 1:30 to 1:50PM and 1:55 to 2:15PM, Thursday March 22

Think 2018 provides many opportunities to learn and be inspired about quantum computing and a wide range of other technologies. Connect with attendees whose companies face similar challenges to yours. Explore the many dedicated industry breakout sessions that include talks led by thought leaders. And advance your career with thousands of hands-on labs, hundreds of certifications, DevZone, soft-skills workshops and more.

Check out the full slate of content and presentations, and start building your agenda now. Register for Think 2018, and use the promo code SYSTEMSVIP to get a USD 300 discount and an invitation to the IBM Systems Top Golf VIP reception. And don’t forget about the star-studded entertainment on tap at Think. The exciting lineup includes Barenaked Ladies, The Chainsmokers and Train. I look forward to meeting you at Think!

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