Latest news with #SatyaNadella
Hindustan Times
10 hours ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Quantum computing's achilles' heel: Tech giants are tackling an error crisis
At the turn of this year, the course became clear. First, quantum computing chips made a generational leap, albeit with Microsoft and Google taking different approaches to generating desired performance. Now, Microsoft has pushed the envelope further, having developed error-correction codes that are applicable to many types of qubits. So has IBM, signifying broad efforts towards the same result. The company insists the present generation of quantum computers, that use qubits, often run into errors, which they cannot resolve on their own. 'Reliable quantum computing requires progress across the full stack, from error correction to hardware. With new 4D codes reducing error rates 1,000x, and our co-designed quantum system with Atom Computing, we're bringing utility-scale quantum closer than ever,' says Satya Nadella, Microsoft Chairman and CEO. Atom Computing builds scalable quantum computers. A quantum computer, compared with traditional, familiar computers, pack magnitudes more computing power to be able to solve complex problems. To compute, traditional computers store information in bits (that is, 0 and 1). Quantum computing is built around qubits that do both at the same time (a bit like Shrodinger's cat). They are not designed to replace traditional computers, at least work and home uses. One could point to the 2024 movie AfrAId, and Netflix' 2023 movie Heart Of Stone, as having foretold quantum's prowess. Microsoft's four-dimensional geometric codes require fewer physical qubits for compute, can check for errors faster, and have reportedly returned a 1,000-fold reduction in error rates. There is hope for this framework of error detection and correction, that can adapt to various types of qubits, making the technology more versatile and practical for real-world applications. The significance of Microsoft's approach cannot be overstated. Traditional quantum error correction methods have struggled with a delicate balance between protecting quantum information whilst maintaining the very properties that make quantum computing powerful. They aren't the only tech giant that is tackling errors in quantum computing. IBM, this month, detailed a roadmap for the IBM Quantum Starling, which they say is the world's first large-scale fault-tolerant quantum computer. It is expected to be delivered by 2029, as part of IBM's new Quantum Data Center. 'Our expertise across mathematics, physics, and engineering is paving the way for a large-scale, fault-tolerant quantum computer — one that will solve real-world challenges and unlock immense possibilities for business,' says said Arvind Krishna, Chairman and CEO of IBM. Quantum computing stands at a critical juncture. Qubits are extremely sensitive to their environment. Smallest of disturbances, ranging from electromagnetic interference to temperature fluctuations, can cause them to 'decohere'. That means, they lose their quantum properties and essentially become classical bits. At that stage, quantum computations produce errors. The challenge is both technical and mathematical. Since quantum states cannot be copied like data on a computer, quantum error correction becomes exponentially more complex. Microsoft is assessing this development with a sense of caution. 'We are in the early stages of reliable quantum computing, and the impact that this technology will have is just beginning to be realised. Practical applications will start to be revealed as researchers in various industries adopt a co-design approach to explore interactions between quantum architectures, algorithms, and applications,' explains Krysta Svore, Technical Fellow, Advanced Quantum Development at Microsoft Quantum. Earlier in the year, Microsoft's quantum computing aspirations saw significant forward movement, with the Majorana 1 chip — a first of its kind scalable chip with versatile architecture, that can potentially fit a million qubits. It currently holds 8 topological qubits. Majorana 1 sits alongside Google's Willow chip, IBM's Quantum Heron, as well as the Zuchongzhi 3.0, developed by Chinese scientists late last year. Error correction was a focus area then too. Microsoft created what is essentially a new state of matter called a topological superconductor, that is more stable and error resistant. Google too believes it has cracked the code for error correction and is building a machine that they expect will be ready by 2029. Crucial to their approach is the Willow chip, and the balance between logical qubits and physical qubits. Physical qubits are the actual quantum bits built into the hardware - the individual atoms, photons, or superconducting circuits that store quantum information. Whereas, logical qubits are error-corrected qubits created by combining multiple physical qubits together with sophisticated error correction codes. Think of them as 'virtual' qubits. Google's research points to the 'quantum error correction threshold', as the tipping point where this dynamic reverses — where logical qubits that are more reliable, outnumber physical ones. There are similarities in Google and IBM's approach regarding this balance. Central to IBM's approach is its creation of a quantum error-correcting code that they claim is about 10 times more efficient than prior methods. This efficiency gain proves crucial, at least in tests, because traditional error correction methods require hundreds or thousands of physical qubits to create a single reliable logical qubit, making large-scale quantum computers prohibitively complex. For all the potential that quantum computing may profess to, at least in delivering real-world solutions for matters including drug discovery, cybersecurity, material science and financial risk analysis, it finds itself precariously perched in this pivotal moment. Error correction capabilities are important for it to simply work as it should, and also to keep operational costs down. IBM's modular scalability, Google's systematic threshold-crossing methodology, and Microsoft's new 4D code architecture, though differing in approach, all believe they may be rushing towards a workable solution. As quantum creeps ever closer, the years that lie ahead will testify to levels of success.
Entrepreneur
a day ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Why CEOs Must Lead With Their Face, Not Just Their Title
The most effective CEOs today build trust and brand value by leading with authenticity and personal conviction. Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own. The public perception of a CEO's personal brand is paramount. People don't care about performative social media posts, and are suspicious when leaders always say "the right things". Instead, they want to know that the companies they invest in are led by authentic leaders who speak to their values, principles and vision for the future. This era calls for authentic human branding. The most trusted companies are led by executives who bring clarity and transparency to the forefront, and don't allow the necessity to look perfect to distract from the brand being real. These kinds of leaders breathe life into mission statements, anchor company values, and turn brands into movements. The most successful CEOs understand that people follow people, not statements. Investors, employees and customers all want to feel connected to a leader who can actually be connected to. A real face behind the brand. When that connection exists, loyalty deepens, talent is attracted and market value rises. The power of showing up CEOs today aren't just expected to lead their companies from a business standpoint; they're expected to represent a vision for where the world is going. And the leaders who embrace that role, rather than shy away from it, are seeing powerful returns. Satya Nadella at Microsoft. His leadership ushered in not only a new era of innovation but a deeply humanized culture shift. His personal brand, anchored in empathy and curiosity, became a beacon at Microsoft. Despite recent controversy, Satya has not tried to make the perfect statement; he remained true to his brand and called recent decisions "painful but necessary". It wasn't loud, but it was intentional. Or consider how Richard Branson's personality and values infused Virgin with a sense of adventure and purpose that no other brand could possibly replicate. His visibility wasn't accidental. It was strategic, and it turned his personal credibility into a global brand asset. These leaders didn't wait for others to define their narratives. They stepped into the role with them. They're real people with real stories, not actors who are playing a role. And in their authenticity, they're able to hold onto trust from their consumers. Related: How to Embrace Authenticity in a World Craving Transparency Your brand is your legacy A well-developed personal brand doesn't just support your company; it shapes your legacy. Some believe that legacy is measured in profit margins alone. But in truth, it's measured in the culture you cultivate, and the fruits that are bred from it. Your story as a CEO, when clearly told and consistently shared, becomes the connective tissue between your vision and the people who bring it to life. People are no longer just buying products or services. They're buying into leadership and ideas. They want to see the person, not just the numbers. Real people care about who's behind the curtain, and they want that person to be real, visible and principled. That's not pressure. That's potential. Visibility creates culture and confidence When CEOs lead with clarity and grace, they don't just create external alignment, but they also set the tone for their internal teams. A visible, vocal leader provides employees with a sense of direction and purpose. It's easier to rally around a mission when you know who's steering the ship and why they care. This is especially true for younger generations in the workforce. Sure, they're looking for salaries, but they also care about shared values. And when leaders communicate those values publicly, consistently and with sincerity, they transform the company into a place people want to belong, not just work. This visibility also creates confidence in times of uncertainty. In moments of crisis or transition, people look to leadership for guidance. And CEOs who are already present, trusted, and understood don't have to scramble to build the perfect statement. The culture they've built will speak for them. Conviction is a competitive advantage, while silence creates vulnerability Some CEOs hesitate to step into the spotlight because they fear backlash or missteps. But authenticity doesn't demand perfection; it demands clarity. You don't have to weigh in on every cultural flashpoint or chase every trend. What matters is choosing the moments that align with your values and showing up with consistency and conviction. The belief that "no comment" is safe is a myth. Always staying silent on societal or cultural issues doesn't communicate neutrality; it communicates disconnection, caution, or worse, cowardice. In an era where brands are personified by their executives, what you don't say can shape perception as much as what you do. Consider the corporate fallout during the height of the Black Lives Matter movement or Pride Month. Brands that tried to split the difference, releasing hollow statements or avoiding the topic altogether, were often called out for performative allyship or outright hypocrisy. Some never recovered their credibility. Contrast that with Nike, which embraced public risk by supporting Colin Kaepernick. The campaign sparked outrage and celebration in equal measure, but most importantly, it clearly told the market where Nike stood. That clarity did cost them. But more importantly, it deepened loyalty and sharpened brand identity. Related: Why Personal Branding Matters More Than Ever for Successful Entrepreneurs The opportunity ahead The bar for leadership has changed. The expectations are higher, but so is the payoff. Today's CEOs have the rare opportunity to be more than operators of a business. They can be authors of a movement and agents of change. And building that legacy starts with showing up, telling your story and sharing your perspective in a way that fuels authentic connection and inspires belief. Your personal brand isn't a distraction from leadership. It's the clearest expression of the most powerful brands today don't just sell, they stand for something.
The Verge
a day ago
- Business
- The Verge
Inside Microsoft's complicated relationship with OpenAI
Beyond the selfies between Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and the friendly conversations between the pair on stage, all is not well with Microsoft's $13 billion AI investment. Over the past year, multiple reports have painted a picture of a Microsoft and OpenAI relationship that is straining under pressure. As OpenAI battles for access to more compute power and less reliance on Microsoft, tensions have been rising during negotiations over the future of OpenAI's business and its Microsoft partnership. Microsoft backed down on being the exclusive cloud provider for OpenAI earlier this year, but OpenAI still needs Microsoft's approval to convert part of its business to a for-profit company. That's led to a potentially explosive outcome. OpenAI executives have now reportedly considered accusing Microsoft of anticompetitive behavior, which could mean regulators look even more closely at the terms of Microsoft and OpenAI's contract for potential violations of antitrust laws. The Wall Street Journal reports that OpenAI's potential acquisition of AI coding tool Windsurf is at the heart of the latest standoff, as OpenAI wants Windsurf to be exempt from its existing contract with Microsoft.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Microsoft is ‘angry' with OpenAI for ChatGPT discount offers: Report
Microsoft has been OpenAI's key investor, having invested billions in the AI giant over the years. However, according to a report by The Information, this relationship is starting to get rocky. This comes as OpenAI is offering major discounts on the enterprise version of its AI, including ChatGPT subscriptions. These discounts range between 10 to 20%, bundling various OpenAI tools. This is what has made Microsoft unhappy, considering it mostly does not offer discounts on services intended for enterprise users. The report also adds that Microsoft has reportedly lost out on various deals because it was unable to match the pricing that OpenAI had to offer to enterprise buyers. Also Read: You can now simply WhatsApp ChatGPT to create an image: Here's how it works The conflict is not limited to this. Recently, The Wall Street Journal reported that the tension between the two companies has been rising as they are now seen as rivals. The publication reported that OpenAI wants to reduce Microsoft's control over its AI products and computing resources and ultimately transition into a for-profit company. The report adds that negotiations have been in place over the last few weeks, but things are now so strained that OpenAI executives have reportedly discussed accusing Microsoft of anti-competitive behaviour over their partnership. This could go as far as involving a federal regulatory review of the terms and conditions of Microsoft and OpenAI's contract and a potential violation of antitrust law. Microsoft and OpenAI have a long history. For those uninitiated, Microsoft has been an investor in OpenAI. It all started in 2019 when the company invested $1 billion. Over the years, Microsoft has invested a lot more, including a recent $13-billion investment in 2024. The relationship between Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has also been quite good, and it reached an all-time high when Microsoft offered Sam Altman the CEO position of a parallel AI company when OpenAI's board made Sam Altman exit over a year and a half ago. Mobile Finder: iPhone 16 latest price and more
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Microsoft plans thousands of job cuts next month, and these employees are likely to lose their jobs
Microsoft is preparing to eliminate thousands of jobs primarily targeting its sales division, with the cuts expected to be announced in early July as the company continues restructuring amid massive AI investments, according to people familiar with the matter. The layoffs will mark the third major workforce reduction this year for the Redmond-based tech giant, following 6,000 cuts in May and over 300 additional eliminations just weeks later. Bloomberg first reported the planned summer layoffs, with sources indicating the timing coincides with the start of Microsoft's new fiscal year beginning in July. Sales teams face heaviest impact at Microsoft Unlike previous rounds that primarily affected software engineers and product developers, the upcoming cuts will disproportionately target customer-facing roles. Microsoft's sales and marketing division employs approximately 45,000 of the company's 228,000 total workforce as of June 2024. The company signaled this shift in April when it announced plans to use third-party firms to handle more software sales to small and mid-sized customers. Sources told Bloomberg the reductions won't exclusively affect sales teams, though they will bear the brunt of the cuts. AI spending drives cost-cutting measures Microsoft's layoffs reflect the broader challenge facing tech companies balancing AI investments with operational efficiency. The company has allocated roughly $80 billion for data center spending this fiscal year while executives have pledged to Wall Street to control costs in other areas. CEO Satya Nadella recently described earlier cuts as a "realignment" rather than performance-based decisions, telling employees at an internal town hall that "this was not about people failing. It was about repositioning for what comes next." The timing follows a pattern for Microsoft, which often announces organizational changes near the end of its fiscal year. The company previously eliminated 10,000 positions in January 2023 after pandemic-driven hiring, and made additional cuts to its videogame division following the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Microsoft declined to comment on the planned layoffs, with the final number of cuts still being determined according to sources familiar with the matter. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
