Quantum Computing Seen as Close in Recent Poll

A recent LinkedIn poll conducted by Topgallant Partners asked a straightforward question. When do professionals believe quantum computing will become commercially available. The responses offer a clear signal about how the market views quantum timelines.

Fifty percent of respondents believe quantum computing will be commercially available within one to five years. Another 40 percent place availability within six to 15 years. Only 10 percent believe quantum computing is more than 15 years away. While the poll reflects opinion rather than prediction, the consensus is notable. Most respondents see quantum computing as approaching, not distant.

This perception matters because quantum computing directly impacts encryption. Once quantum systems reach sufficient scale and stability, they will be capable of breaking widely used cryptographic algorithms that protect data today. That includes RSA and elliptic curve cryptography, which remain foundational across networks, applications, and cloud services.

Quantum risk is not tied to a single launch date. Data encrypted today can be collected and stored for future decryption once quantum capabilities mature. This is commonly referred to as harvest now, decrypt later. As a result, organizations face quantum exposure long before quantum computing becomes fully commercial.

The poll results reinforce a growing gap between quantum awareness and quantum preparedness. Encryption systems take years to inventory, modernize, and replace. Dependencies are embedded across vendors, certificates, devices, backups, and third party integrations. Waiting for certainty compresses timelines and increases risk.

The conclusion from the poll is direct. Whether quantum computing arrives in five years or 15, preparation cannot wait. Post quantum cryptography options already exist. Assessments can begin now. Organizations that treat quantum readiness as a long term transition will be positioned to manage risk. Those that delay will be forced into reactive decisions.

Quantum computing does not need to arrive tomorrow to be relevant today. The preparation window is already open.

Find out more about Quantum Computing by visiting IBM Quantum

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