One of the questions and responses was:
Will a quantum computer reach the market?
Unlikely 42.7%
Equal chances 25.1%
Likely 22.1%
This is addressed at the dwave blog. Dwave is planning a commercial release in 2007. They note that a company is selling a NMR based quantum computer for $1 million. The NMR system has little power and is probably being bought for research purposes. If you make a $1 million sale then you have commerce and you have reached a market.
Many people who comment on the response at the dwave blog and perhaps some of the IEEE fellows were reading the question as “Will quantum computers exceed the capabilities of traditional computers and outsell them in the marketplace”. That would be a higher hurdle. The first part I think will definitely happen as we get 100-200 qubit systems. The outselling portion is a far more uncertain situation and probably is unlikely to happen. A fairly ideal situation would be for robust quantum computers to become co-processors for special needs along with regular computer systems.
I think most of the questions in the survey are poorly phrased and some of responses probably indicate reading the questions with certain unstated assumptions.
I also think many of the IEEE fellows may not be up to speed on the actual leading edge of capability for many technologies. Otherwise they would not make the mistake of stating that something is unlikely to happen in 50 years when it has already happened.
Brian Wang is a Futurist Thought Leader and a popular Science blogger with 1 million readers per month. His blog Nextbigfuture.com is ranked #1 Science News Blog. It covers many disruptive technology and trends including Space, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Medicine, Anti-aging Biotechnology, and Nanotechnology.
Known for identifying cutting edge technologies, he is currently a Co-Founder of a startup and fundraiser for high potential early-stage companies. He is the Head of Research for Allocations for deep technology investments and an Angel Investor at Space Angels.
A frequent speaker at corporations, he has been a TEDx speaker, a Singularity University speaker and guest at numerous interviews for radio and podcasts. He is open to public speaking and advising engagements.