The Linux Foundation has released a new, free, online
training course, Fundamentals
of Quantum Computing, in partnership with the World Bank. The course provides an
understanding on how quantum computing could be used for complex decision
making far beyond current computer capabilities, as well as an understanding of
the technological, governmental, and industrial implications as the technology
further matures.
Quantum
computing involves using quantum theories to perform complex computations. The
technology has been in development for decades and is expected to revolutionize
computing as it becomes more widely available.
The
Linux Foundation has been providing access to online training and education
since 2014 and offers a full course catalog across a dozen categories with 100+
course offerings to meet a growing demand around the world. At the same time,
the World Bank Group's Open Learning Campus (OLC) serves to accelerate
development solutions by transforming global knowledge into actionable
learning. Since its inception in 2015, it has provided 5000 learning offerings
to over 4 million clients in 190 countries. This helps to meet the World Bank
Group's twin goals of ending poverty and building shared prosperity.
"Quantum
computing has the potential to impact various sectors, including financial
services, healthcare, agriculture and logistics, in addition to changing the
way we architect cybersecurity. Given its potential impact, it is important to
develop foundational knowledge of this new technology as it develops, to
understand its implications for our skills, systems and technological
governance," said Sheila Jagannathan, head of the Open Learning Campus at the
World Bank. "As part of the Bank Group's ongoing efforts to support Government
Chief Information Officers, government technology teams, advisors, and
policymakers considering and preparing for the practical aspects of digital
transformation in emerging economies, we have worked with Linux Foundation to
develop this course on Quantum Computing fundamentals. This is part of a
broader initiative to learn from our advanced digital partners, including the
Republic of Korea, on the current and future impact of emerging technologies."
The
new course takes approximately three hours to complete, making it accessible to
anyone. It will be of particular interest for public sector leaders, Chief
Information Officers (CIOs), and technology teams in charge of the planning,
design, development and deployment of public service delivery and digital
economy infrastructures and platforms. Learners should be generally familiar
with how computers function and the current use of on-premise and cloud
computing.
The
course discusses the fundamentals of quantum computing, highlighting potential
technological disruptions it brings. It discusses the current capabilities of
quantum computing, current use cases, as well as prospective future
applications, while emphasizing security advantages and dangers, especially
around secure communication and encryption. It also dispels some of the myths
surrounding quantum computing, explaining what it is at the moment, as well as
why it is an exciting and essential technology to understand and embrace.
"We
are on the cusp of another technological revolution as quantum computing
technology matures and enables us to solve problems which are too
computationally intensive for traditional computers," said Clyde Seepersad,
SVP, and general manager of training & certification at the Linux
Foundation. "Now is the time to start teaching folks around the world about
quantum computing in order to ensure that the policy implications are thought
through and that the requisite talent pool is nurtured to support this technology
as it grows. The World Bank has proven to be a valuable partner in this
endeavor, recognizing the need and taking a leadership role in ensuring
educational resources are available around quantum computing to everyone."
Fundamentals
of Quantum Computing is available for immediate, free registration. The course can be
accessed both on the World Bank Group's OLC and the Linux Foundation Training
Platform.