The Quantum Computing Thought Experiment Part VI - The Enterprise Software Industry: A Call for Clarity

Recap In our previous post, we examined how quantum computing could transform non-software industries. Now, we shift the spotlight to the Enterprise Software Industry, where quantum’s potential remains untapped due to missing use cases, unclear monetization models, and a lack of strategic direction.

The Idea Quantum computing and its revolutionary compute paradigm holds transformative potential for the Enterprise Software Industry, but uncertainty is a significant barrier. The absence of immediate use cases and monetization models leads to indecision, leaving many companies hesitant to act. However, those who seize the opportunity to lead—demonstrating thought leadership and delivering tangible results—stand to gain not only trust but also a larger share of wallet from their installed base.

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Let’s break down the key dimensions of this challenge:

No Use Case Today

Quantum computing lacks enterprise-ready applications in the software industry.

• How can software providers identify the first practical quantum use cases? Could they focus on augmenting existing applications rather than creating entirely new ones?
• Are there low-hanging fruits in optimization, predictive analytics, or supply chain management that software companies can address?
• What partnerships might be necessary to accelerate the development of these use cases—collaborating with hardware providers, academic institutions, or customers?

Missing Monetization Models

The Enterprise Software Industry thrives on clear, scalable revenue models.

• How can quantum solutions be monetized in a way that aligns with existing software revenue streams?
• Could new models emerge, such as performance-based pricing tied directly to business outcomes?
• What role will customer trust and proof of value play in driving adoption and monetization?

Thought Leadership and Increasing Share of Wallet

In a market clouded by indecision, thought leadership could be the differentiator.

• How can frontrunners demonstrate expertise in quantum technologies to win customer confidence?
• Could these companies secure a larger share of wallet by integrating quantum capabilities into their installed base, delivering measurable ROI?
• What messaging will resonate most with customers: innovation, cost savings, or competitive advantage?

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Often the supplier industries are missed in a holistic picture. They are of ultimate criticality, but need to adjust to a jump in demand for Quantum Hardware as well. How do they cope? How do they access necessary investments, if they worked in the shadows so far? Do clusters of suppliers emerge? Does it make sense to embed suppliers into the emerging clusters and ecosystems?

Stay tuned, we’ll explore these questions in our next blog post.