Quantum Computing
In fact, Gartner added crypto-agility, post-quantum cryptography and quantum key distribution to its data security hype cycle last year.
If one were to arrive tomorrow, a computer that could crack commonly used public key encryption would have an almost unimaginable impact, but protecting against that eventuality is not yet a priority. For most, it seems too far in the future.
The wind has gone out of quantum computing's sails somewhat over the past year. Nineteen percent of respondents predicted mergers or failures of the numerous startups operating in this space.
Gartner also removed quantum computing from its 2024 Top 10 Strategic Technologies report, an indication that timescales to develop practical devices are proving longer than previously thought.
Eight percent believe useful applications are at least a decade away, while 60 percent said useful applications will arrive later than we were led to believe.
Quantum computers already exist, of course; the machines used by the likes of IBM and Google to offer quantum-computing-as-a-service, and the quantum annealing devices by DWave that can be applied to certain optimization problems, are examples. But the present-day capabilities are too narrow and the software stack far too limited for these to be considered general purpose or even highly specialized machines.
However, a lot of money is being pumped into R&D by tech companies and governments alike. And computers are not the only game in town. Quantum sensing is advancing steadily as is the unhackable quantum internet.
Keep the faith, said 18 percent -- when it arrives, quantum computing will be a true game changer.
