Quantum’s big leap puts data centers in the spotlight

After decades confined largely to research labs, Quantum computing may be closer to its breakout moment than many on Wall Street expect. 

The technology, which uses the principles of quantum mechanics to solve problems beyond the ability of the most powerful classical supercomputers, has long been described as futuristic. But rapid advancements have intensified investment in the sector and sparked discussions about how these powerful computers will integrate with industries like the already booming data center sector.

“By the end of the decade, we are confident that we will have machines in data centers that have commercial value,” Zulfi Alam, Microsoft‘s corporate vice president of Quantum, told CNBC.

“I would not be able to say this with this much clarity last year, but this year, I can state to claim that by 2029 you will have machines that will have commercial [value], meaning that they will be doing calculations that…