Are Enterprise Architects Ignoring Quantum?
Recently Gartner published a piece on how Enterprise Architects (EA) “must quickly enable their organizations to strategically design, invest in, and integrate AI into their existing IT systems”, even offering a five-phase framework for leveraging AI.
Yet what about quantum technologies? One 2024 report did not include a single reference to quantum technologies suggesting the tech set is not among the 12 priorities for EA’s. A cursory search of topics from the Global Association of Enterprise Architects illustrates only two references, the most recent from 2019.
Image source: Brian Lenahan/Midjourney
First let’s examine the EA role in general.
The EA Role
An Enterprise Architect (EA) is responsible for aligning an organization's IT infrastructure and services with its business goals and strategies. Their primary focus is to ensure that the technology framework of the organization supports its operations effectively and efficiently, facilitating business growth and innovation. Key responsibilities of an EA include:
Strategic Planning:
Develop and maintain the enterprise architecture framework.
Align IT strategy with business objectives.
Create roadmaps for technology adoption and evolution.
Technology Evaluation:
Assess emerging technologies and determine their potential impact on the organization.
Recommend technology solutions that enhance business performance.
Solution Design:
Design scalable, flexible, and resilient IT solutions.
Ensure interoperability and integration of systems across the organization.
Governance:
Establish and enforce architectural standards and guidelines.
Monitor compliance with architectural policies and best practices.
Stakeholder Collaboration:
Work with business leaders to understand their needs and translate them into technical requirements.
Collaborate with IT teams to implement and manage IT solutions.
Risk Management:
Identify and mitigate technological risks.
Ensure the security and privacy of organizational data.
Optimization:
Continuously assess and improve existing IT systems and processes.
Drive cost efficiencies through optimization of resources and processes.
The Case for EA Support of Quantum
One brief LinkedIn post by Nadeem Malik, an EA, in November 2023 recognized “Traditional computers nearing the theoretical limits of computational power” and thus quantum technologies will have a place within the IT infrastructure. An August 2023 blog post by Paul Estrach in Mega.com recognized quantum computing as a necessary IT consideration in 2024. Does the rest of the EA community agree?
It’s possible EA’s are following predictions like that from Gartner ‘s Emerging Tech Impact Radar 2024 that Quantum Processors are in the critical enablers quadrant but in the 6-8 year range for impact. (I would recommend readers review my library of substacks for counter positions).
Industry players should devote time to the following role impacts and considerations:
Quantum's Role and Impact:
Problem-Solving: Quantum computing has the potential to solve complex problems that are currently infeasible for classical computers, such as large-scale optimization and cryptographic challenges.
Speed and Efficiency: Quantum algorithms can perform certain computations exponentially faster than traditional algorithms, leading to breakthroughs in various fields like material science, pharmaceuticals, and financial modeling.
Disruption: Quantum computing could disrupt existing cryptographic systems, necessitating the development of quantum-resistant encryption methods.
Competitive Readiness: In order to ensure competitive advantage or at minimum levelling the field, EA’s should be evaluating competitors activities in the area of quantum technologies.
Quantum Considerations for Enterprise Architects:
Readiness: Prepare the organization for the eventual integration of quantum computing by staying informed about advancements and developing a quantum-readiness strategy.
Security: Focus on the implications of quantum computing on cybersecurity, particularly the potential threat to current encryption standards.
Collaboration: Foster partnerships with academic and industry leaders to stay at the forefront of quantum computing research and application. The new International Council of Quantum Industry Associations could be an effective starting point.
Given the priority being set by governments (i.e. US’s National Quantum Initiatives Act) around the world for classical encryption threats from quantum computing, EA’s should be at a minimum learning about the quantum opportunities and threats, preparing for the quantum era.
Conclusion
Enterprise Architects play a crucial role in steering organizations through technological evolution and ensuring that IT investments deliver maximum business value. Advanced technologies like AI and quantum computing present both opportunities and challenges, requiring EAs to be proactive in their strategic planning, integration efforts, and risk management to harness their full potential while mitigating associated risks.
Brian Lenahan is founder and chair of the Quantum Strategy Institute, author of seven Amazon published books on quantum technologies and artificial intelligence. Brian’s focus on the practical side of technology ensures you will get the guidance and inspiration you need to gain value from quantum now and into the future. Brian does not purport to be an expert in each field or subfield for which he provides science communication.
Brian’s books are available on Amazon. Quantum Strategy for Business course is available on the QURECA platform.
Content is copyright 2024 Aquitaine Innovation Advisors.