Quantum computing is a game-changer, but who's leading the charge? Meet Bill Wisotsky, the Principal Quantum Systems Architect at SAS, who's pushing the boundaries of what's possible. But here's where it gets controversial—is SAS's hybrid approach the future of quantum and analytics? Wisotsky joins Yuval to discuss this and more, revealing a pragmatic view of 'quantum advantage' and a journey from behavioral neuroscience to quantum computing.
The Quantum Leap:
Yuval: Welcome, Bill! It's great to have you here. Tell us, who are you and what's your role at SAS?
Bill: My name is Bill Wisotsky, and I've been with SAS for 24 years. I started in professional services and ventured into quantum four years ago. Now, I'm a Principal Quantum Systems Architect, leading a dedicated team in R&D.
Yuval: For those unfamiliar, SAS isn't an airline or a special forces unit. What's the deal with SAS?
Bill: SAS has been a leader in analytics since the 1970s, covering machine learning, AI, business intelligence, and data management. Our solutions are used by numerous companies for analytics, but we're not a shoe company or a SaaS provider.
Quantum Curiosity:
Yuval: What sparked SAS's interest in quantum computing?
Bill: My background in behavioral neuroscience introduced me to quantum physics through biophysics research. I was fascinated by the double-slit experiment and spent more time exploring quantum. During the COVID lockdown, I delved into quantum computing, realizing its advancements. I taught myself software development kits and integrated quantum with SAS, focusing on optimization and quantum machine learning.
From Interest to Initiative:
Yuval: Was this a top-down decision or a personal initiative?
Bill: It started as a personal endeavor. I navigated SAS, presenting and proving concepts until the Solutions Factory bought in. Eventually, the CTO got on board, and here we are.
Advice for the Quantum Journey:
Yuval: What advice do you have for those in a similar educational background and company position?
Bill: I didn't complete my PhD in behavioral neuroscience, but my interest in quantum remained. My advice is to be persistent, learn the topics, and speak with some level of education. You don't need a physics degree to understand quantum computing; keep pushing forward, even if it's a longer road.
Quantum Projects and Successes:
Yuval: What exciting projects have you worked on in the last four years?
Bill: We've done various projects, like the Kidney Exchange Project with D-Wave, where we used quantum to optimize donor-recipient pairs. We also worked on consumer packaged goods optimization and quantum machine learning for fraud detection and bankruptcy modeling. We're collaborating on disaster response projects, too.
Quantum Advantage: More Than Speed:
Yuval: Do customers care about quantum? Have you seen quantum advantage?
Bill: Customers are excited about quantum, but their expectations are negotiable. They know quantum is in its early stages and not a solution for every complex problem. We define quantum advantage as something customers benefit from, whether it's speed or the expressivity of quantum machine learning models, which can project classical data into higher dimensions for more predictive models.
Optimality and Quantum Solutions:
Yuval: Do customers seek optimal solutions or just good enough ones?
Bill: It varies. Some fields require 100% optimal solutions, while others prioritize speed. With quantum, proving optimality is challenging, so we use a hybrid approach, combining quantum and classical methods to find the best solutions.
Quantum's Place in the Toolkit:
Yuval: How does quantum problem-solving differ from classical methods?
Bill: Quantum problem-solving is more challenging due to its novelty. We must first understand the problem classically, identify computationally expensive areas, and then determine if quantum can help. It's a collaborative process, and we're still learning how quantum fits into our toolkit.
Favorite Quantum Computers:
Yuval: Do you have a favorite quantum computer?
Bill: I don't have a favorite. We evaluate different modalities like neutral atoms, trapped ions, photonics, and superconducting, each with strengths and weaknesses. We choose vendors based on these modalities and their teams' engagement and support.
Quantum Learning Curve:
Yuval: What new insights have you gained in the past year?
Bill: I'm learning about neutral atoms and trapped ions daily. The biggest lesson is the need for continuous learning. Quantum computing is getting closer, and manufacturers are pushing the boundaries of error-corrected qubits and large-scale quantum computers. We're also finding ways to achieve quantum advantage without massive quantum computers.
Quantum Competition:
Yuval: Are SAS's competitors also using quantum?
Bill: I'm not sure if they are, but some niche vendors are involved in quantum. I wouldn't call them direct competitors.
Dinner with a Quantum Great:
Yuval: If you could dine with a quantum great, who would it be?
Bill: Roger Penrose. His Orchestrated Objective Reduction theory, linking quantum superpositions and entanglements in the nervous system to consciousness, fascinates me. Given my background in behavioral neuroscience, I'd love to discuss his ideas.
From Services to R&D:
Yuval: What's different about your role in R&D compared to services?
Bill: In services, I worked on predictive modeling, data access, and business intelligence. Now, I focus on quantum full-time. I collaborate with developers on quantum algorithms, product management, partners, and academic institutions on research and lectures. It's a fun role, allowing me to dive deep into algorithm development and high-level strategy.
Yuval: Thank you, Bill, for sharing your insights and experiences. It's been a pleasure.
