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The CIO of Big Blue discusses the importance of AI and hybrid cloud, along with emerging tech such as quantum computing and cryptography.

Kathryn Guarini is the CIO of multinational tech giant IBM. Big Blue has been switching its focus to AI and cloud services in recent months, following the news that it is set to undergo a major restructuring.

Guarini and her team are responsible for developing, deploying and transforming the companys internal IT including hardware, software and services across more than 170 countries.

Her tenure at IBM spans more than two decades. Prior to being named CIO earlier this year, she was COO of IBM Research and vice-president for Impact Science, a research team within IBM that sought to apply deep technical expertise to the most pressing global challenges facing society while advancing the underlying science.

Guarini told Siliconrepublic.com that her CIO team supports every part of the business including digital workplace services, as well as thousands of business applications used by professionals in HR, sales, marketing, finance and more.

The recent rise in sophisticated cyberattacks requires us to take innovative approaches to secure the enterprise KATHRYN GUARINI

There are many major IT initiatives that we are focused on at IBM. Let me highlight three here.

First, Kyndryl. My team is playing a key role in supporting the separation of IBMs managed infrastructure business into an independent market-leading company called Kyndryl. IT plays a critical role in ensuring Kyndryl is set up for success with robust and secure infrastructure and applications, segmented to protect data and configured to run each business.

Second, hybrid cloud. We are adopting hybrid cloud at scale in IBM. That means we are moving IBMs internal IT workload from legacy data centres into public and private cloud environments to get the benefits of hybrid cloud from faster deployments to better availability to improved sustainability. Hybrid cloud offers a unified experience with end-to-end security and observability, harnessing the power of the open community.

Third, AI. AI is critical for business agility, resilience and growth. We are applying AI to automate business processes, modernise applications, predict outcomes and secure everything. As one example, we have applied AI to personalise and automate the IT support experience for IBMers, with AI-powered voice response, chat and search that improve the user experience.

Our CIO team is made up of more than 10,000 IBMers with a wide range of technical skills and expertise required to architect, develop, modernise and run IBMs internal IT systems. Our global team is organised into empowered agile squads doing iterative development in support of specific business solutions.

We partner with IBMs businesses, who simultaneously serve as stakeholders for our IT delivery and providers of differentiating technology and services that we adopt on behalf of IBM.

We recognise that building, fostering and advancing a pipeline of diverse talent is key to our long-term success. Weve made focused investments in critical skills that enable transformation, including software development, design, AI, automation, cloud computing, cybersecurity and software-defined networking.

We also have domain expertise in areas like human resources, sales, marketing and finance to help us better serve the IBM company and improve the employee experience.

Like most enterprises, IBM is on its own digital transformation journey, leveraging technologies like hybrid cloud and AI to unlock new business value and accelerate innovation. Hybrid cloud is the foundation of our cognitive enterprise. AI helps make better decisions, automate tasks, streamline processes and enable self-service across the enterprise.

Our CIO team is responsible for modernising our infrastructure and application environment and redesigning our business architecture into end-to-end intelligent workflows.

For example, we have transformed IBMs sales processes, launching a new solution that offers simplification and insight. The solution involved consolidating more than 160 different sales tools into one scalable, global platform to optimise IBMs relationship with our customers.

In another example, we transformed IBMs global client support process, providing improved experience, operational efficiency and AI-driven insights.

Ive already talked about how hybrid cloud and AI are hugely important technologies today to drive business transformation. Were using both to enable intelligent operations, modernise applications and automate insights.

Whats next? Quantum computing will become an important part of the IT landscape, offering competitive advantage to those who can capitalise on the unique capabilities of this new computing paradigm.

Quantum is maturing quickly, with rapid advances in the technology, software ecosystem and use cases across industries. Along with quantum computing comes advanced quantum-safe cryptography solutions that enable encryption that even large-scale fault tolerant quantum computers cant crack.

Theres a tremendous amount of technology innovation happening here that promises to have outsized impact on our industry and the world.

Cybersecurity is a business imperative and the recent rise in sophisticated cyberattacks requires us to take innovative approaches to secure the enterprise.

We have adopted a zero-trust framework, which includes advanced identity protection, vulnerability management and threat detection.

We are adopting security-by-design approaches in the development of our IT solutions to ensure they are foundationally secure against growing threats. And we are adopting IBMs confidential computing technologies to protect sensitive data at all times.

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IBM CIO: 'Quantum computing will be important in the IT landscape' - Siliconrepublic.com

Survey shows a wide range of skills and educational levels needed to support a diversity of jobs

ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 28, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) recently released an assessment based on a survey of U.S. quantum businesses outlining the diversity of jobs in the quantum industry requiring various skills and education levels. The study provides guidance to educators, policy makers and students to help grow a quantum-ready workforce. The analysis identified skills, several of which are not quantum-specific, relevant for multiple jobs.

"This study provides timely insight into the wide variety of jobs required to support the emerging quantum industry. The study results will help the U.S. grow a quantum workforce with the relevant skills," said Corey Stambaugh with the National Quantum Coordination Office in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The paper includes recommendations for educators preparing students for the quantum industry and advises those developing new degree programs should provide both quantum-specific and general science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses. It also guides educators to consider adding broad quantum courses for students pursuing non-quantum degree programs, equipping them for multiple quantum-related roles.

The report acknowledges business skills will become increasingly important as the industry continues its progress from research to commercialization and suggests universities seek ways to prepare students for roles in sales and marketing.

"The QED-C workforce study highlights the opportunities and challenges for employers and prospective students for the quantum industry. The study also provides guidance to policy makers and educators on how best to prepare the future quantum workforce," said Alan Ho, Google Quantum AI product manager and QED-C steering committee member.

Information gathered from 57 QED-C member companies detailed specific work roles expected to be filled in the next five years and for each role, the associated skills and degrees required. Respondents were representative of the entire quantum supply chain, including hardware and software developers, component suppliers and end users.

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An assessment by QED-C and Hyperion Research forecasted the quantum computing industry could grow to $830 million by 2024 with an estimated compound annual growth rate of 27 percent. Such growth in quantum computing and other areas of application requires thousands of additional scientists, engineers, technicians and other employees to fill the variety of jobs, including those identified in the new survey. Skills sought by the employers surveyed include quantum algorithm development, circuit design, systems architecture, and technical sales and marketing. The preferred degree varies by job categoryfrom PhD to associate degree.

Growing the quantum workforce has been identified as an enabling factor to ensure the industry's success. The new report reveals the breadth of jobs and skills needed and can aid both educators and students to prepare for careers in this emerging field.

About Quantum Economic Development Consortium The Quantum Economic Development Consortium (QED-C) is an industry-driven consortium managed by SRI International and established in response to the 2018 National Quantum Initiative Act. Membership includes more than 120 US companies from across the supply chain and more than 40 academic institutions and other stakeholders. The consortium seeks to enable and grow the quantum industry and associated supply chain. For more about QED-C, visit quantumconsortium.org and follow us on Twitter @The_QEDC.

ContactCelia MerzbacherQED-C Executive Director319822@email4pr.com

Media Contact:Shannon Blood(949)-777-2428319822@email4pr.com

Amanda TomasettiSRI International319822@email4pr.com

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SOURCE SRI International

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Job Hunting? The Quantum Industry is Hiring for Diverse Positions: New Assessment by the Quantum Economic Development Consortium Shows Many...

Brings Extensive Track Record of Successfully Commercializing Innovative Technology

LEESBURG, Va., Sept. 23, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Quantum Computing Inc. (the company or QCI) (Nasdaq: QUBT), a leader in bridging the power of classical and quantum computing, has appointed renowned business and technology leader William J. McGann, Ph.D., to serve on the companys board of directors.

McGann brings over 30 years of executive leadership, technology, and science experience, strengthened by an underlying passion for turning emerging technology into practical solutions for solving some of the worlds greatest challenges. Throughout his career, he has contributed to the advancement of research and technology development and has authored over 70 research proposals for the U.S. government, dozens of scientific publications, and 26 patents in the areas of nuclear, chemical and biological detection technologies.

I am pleased and genuinely excited to be given the opportunity to sit on the Board of Directors at Quantum Computing, Inc. said McGann. The development and application of quantum-based models and methodologies to solve the worlds most complex, classical problems provides a tremendous opportunity for the talented, focused and energized team at QCI. I am looking forward to supporting the business in its critical mission to provide powerful and quantum-ready software business solutions to the world.

Since 2019, McGann has served as the Chief Technology Officer for the Security, Detection and Automation business at Leidos Corp., a civil, defense, health, and intelligence innovator. In this role, he is focused on the creation of innovative customer solutions driven by a strong portfolio of physics, chemistry and software-based products. He is responsible for leading innovation and technology development across the aviation and ports and borders market segments, as well as driving an externally focused business strategy with global markets.

In addition to his business responsibilities at Leidos, McGann also serves the company as a Technology Fellow. In this role, his passions align with the companys mission, which is centered on delivering leading edge technology capabilities and solutions.

With quantum computing poised to revolutionize a number of industries, the QCI team is incredibly fortunate to have someone of Bills caliber on the board of directors, said Robert Liscouski, chairman, president, and CEO of QCI. We are eager to leverage his tremendous track record to guide us in applying the power of quantum computing to deliver practical solutions to critical business problems.

Bill and I have worked together in the past, and frankly, he is a guy that knows how to get things done, Liscouski added.

Over the course of his professional career, McGann has held numerous business and technology leadership positions, including founder of the first explosives trace detection company, Ion Track Instruments; CTO for GE Security; VP of engineering for United Technologies Fire and Security business; CEO and board member of Implant Sciences Corp.; and CTO at L3Harris Technologies, Security and Detection Systems Division.

McGann received his Ph.D. in Chemical Physics from University of Connecticut and holds undergraduate degrees in both Chemistry and Biology.

About Quantum Computing Inc.Quantum Computing Inc. (QCI) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is focused on accelerating the value of quantum computing for real-world business solutions. The companys flagship product, Qatalyst, is the first software to bridge the power of classical and quantum computing, hiding complexity and empowering SMEs to solve complex computational problems today. QCIs expert team in finance, computing, security, mathematics and physics has over a century of experience with complex technologies; from leading edge supercomputing innovations, to massively parallel programming, to the security that protects nations. Connect with QCI on LinkedIn and @QciQuantum on Twitter. For more information about QCI, visit http://www.quantumcomputinginc.com.

Important Cautions Regarding Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forecasts involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the near future. Those statements include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of Quantum Computing (Company), and members of its management as well as the assumptions on which such statements are based. Prospective investors are cautioned that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and that actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements.

The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed conditions. Statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements relating to future events, and as such all forward-looking statements are made pursuant to the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements may contain certain forward-looking statements pertaining to future anticipated or projected plans, performance and developments, as well as other statements relating to future operations and results. Any statements in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be considered to be forward-looking statements. Words such as may, will, expect, believe, anticipate, estimate, intends, goal, objective, seek, attempt, aim to, or variations of these or similar words, identify forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A in the Companys Annual Report on Form 10-K, which is expressly incorporated herein by reference, and other factors as may periodically be described in the Companys filings with the SEC.

Qatalyst is the trademark of Quantum Computing Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Company Contact:Robert Liscouski, CEOQuantum Computing, Inc.+1 (703) 436-2161Email Contact

Investor Relations Contact:Ron Both or Grant StudeCMA Investor Relations+1 (949) 432-7566Email Contact

Media Relations Contact:Bob GellerFusion Public Relations+1 (917) 816-0562qci@fusionpr.com

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Quantum Computing Inc. Appoints William J. McGann, Ph.D., to its Board of Directors - StreetInsider.com

With just two days left for Speaker Nancy Pelosi to lock down votes on the infrastructure bill, Bidens sitdown with Manchin and Sinema could be pivotal. While Sinema has been engaging with a group of House lawmakers behind the scenes, Manchin has been largely mum about his support for the partys sprawling bill with a price tag of up to $3.5 trillion. Sinema will head to the White House for a second meeting later Tuesday.

And many progressives in the caucus say theyll refuse to move forward until those two senators spell out their position in some formalized way with Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. If not, they fear Manchin and Sinema will ditch the broader spending talks as soon as the public works bill is complete.

My father told me when I was growing up, theres a fine line between a good guy and a goddamn fool. I dont want to be rolled, said Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Mass.). I think a lot of us want to make sure we have an assurance that, in fact, theres going to be a reconciliation bill.

Im not a yes until we have assurances that it will pass, echoed Rep. Chuy Garcia (D-Ill.).

An agreement with Manchin and Sinema would be critical to resolving the deadlock in the House, said House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer.

I think it would give confidence to a lot of people in the House and around the country, Hoyer told reporters Tuesday, reiterating that the House wouldnt take up any social spending plan that the Senate couldnt support. What were hoping this week is to get a number and a framework.

Pelosi and her leadership team as well as progressive and moderate leaders have been working furiously behind the scenes on a compromise that all corners of the party can back. They hope that so-called framework can be enough for Jayapal and her caucus to back the vote Thursday, helping leadership and the White House avoid a humiliating defeat.

Jayapal released a statement reiterating the CPCs position on Tuesday afternoon after an hourlong meeting with the progressive caucus, which was held the day after Pelosi stunned many liberals by announcing Monday night that the House would proceed with an infrastructure vote even as the partys broader spending bill slipped past this week. During that meeting, not a single progressive member spoke up to say they would support the vote on Tuesday without the broader spending bill staying firm on the caucuss earlier position.

Pelosis decision to muscle ahead with infrastructure without the social spending bill in tow was essentially a reversal of the vow she made to progressives earlier this summer to pass both at the same time a dynamic that will complicate leaderships ability to lock down the votes before Thursday.

Asked about how Democrats would convince progressives to support that vote, Pelosi said: Thats a question that well deal with, but Im not going to negotiate that right now.

Well see what we need to have and that is the essence of the Build Back Better, Pelosi told reporters.

Democrats expect an intense whipping operation from Pelosi and her leadership team for the infrastructure plan, but it hasnt formally begun yet. Many lawmakers have pegged their hopes on Biden nailing down a commitment from Manchin, thereby prying more progressive commitments loose.

"I haven't started whipping anything yet, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn said in a brief interview.

Jayapal has said as recently as Monday afternoon that dozens of progressives as many as 60 would be willing to block Bidens infrastructure bill Thursday.

But there are others within the caucus who say they cant go that far with the presidents agenda on the line.

Ive come to the conclusion that keeping things moving helps us, even though its got some risks that some folks will say, Hey I got what I want, I wont keep going, said Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), alluding to many of his colleagues fears that Manchin and Sinema will ditch the broader spending talks as soon as the public works bill is complete.

House Democratic Caucus Chair Hakeem Jeffries projected confidence Tuesday that the caucus would be in lockstep behind Bidens two priorities before the vote later this week.

On substance the votes are there, in the context of what were trying to get accomplished, Jeffries told reporters. Now were figuring out the pathway to get both of these very important bills over the finish line.

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Progressives threaten rebellion as Pelosi pushes forward on infrastructure - POLITICO

WASHINGTON (JTA) After the controversy last week surrounding a progressive push to block extra Iron Dome anti-missile funding for Israel, the final vote to pass it was lopsided: 420-9.

And in the end, most progressives backed it: Of the 95 members of the Democrats progressive caucus in the U.S. House of Representatives, 85 voted yes.

At first glance, that resounding progressive yes to the $1 billion in additional funding to replenish the systems batteries depleted from the latest Gaza conflict in May would seem to put to rest the narrative that the Democratic Partys largest caucus was discarding pro-Israel tradition.

But last week did mark a significant change: the way the funding was ultimately approved, in addition to statements from some of the progressive caucus members who voted yes, made clear that from now on, Israel can no longer expect a blank check for defense assistance, at least from progressives.

Last week the progressive caucus forced Democratic leadership to pull out the $1 billion from an unrelated emergency government funding bill that came before Congress on Sept. 21.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., the chairwoman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus who led the push to separate the Iron Dome funding from the larger spending bill, said it was absurd to shove through such an amount of money without first debating its merits.

That just isnt the way things work around here, she told CNN the following day, after the House passed the spending bill, sans Iron Dome. There was no discussion about it.

After the critique, Democratic leadership moved quickly. There was a debate last Thursday, and it seemed to have been persuasive: Jayapal was among those who voted yes, and so were some of Israels toughest critics in the progressive caucus, among them Mark Pocan of Wisconsin, Betty McCollum of Minnesota and Jamaal Bowman of New York.

Bowman told Bloomberg News that his problem with the original effort to approve the Iron Dome funding had nothing to do with Israel and everything to do with the rush to get it voted on without traditional debate.

Its not about Israel, its about, once again, leadership, throwing something on our table last minute and expecting us to decide in five minutes what to do with it, thats the bigger problem, he said.

The eight Democrats who voted against funding, and the two who voted present, got plenty of political and media attention Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortezs lengthy and anguished explanation of her present vote late Friday made many headlines, in part because of the tears she admitted to shedding on the House floor. Republicans in Congress tried to paint them as the true face of the Democratic Party (a single Republican, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, was among the small group that voted no on the final funding bill).

But many of the progressives who spoke during the debate were reportedly unequivocal in agreeing with their more moderate colleagues that the Iron Dome was purely a defensive measure, and deserves support because it saved lives.

The legislation before us ensures that Israel can fully defend all its citizens, a necessary condition for lasting peace, said Rep. DeLauro, D-Conn., the progressive who is the chairwoman of the Houses most powerful committee, Appropriations, in remarks reported by the Foundation for Middle East Peace.

Still, while Iron Dome may have been an easy yes, progressives otherwise made clear that the days of unquestioning approval of Israels defense requests were over.

Just hours before the vote Thursday, Rep. Andy Levin, D-Mich., convened a press conference outside the Capitol to announce a bill that would enshrine the two-state outcome as U.S. policy. But it includes restrictions on how Israel could spend U.S. funding, with explicit bans on spending on West Bank settlements.

The bill makes clear that assistance to help Israel to address its very real security challenges should continue at not one dollar less, but it cannot be used in a manner that violates internationally recognized human rights, or for activities that perpetuate the occupation or enable de facto annexation of parts of the West Bank, said Levin, who is Jewish.

The Jewish Telegraphic Agency asked the five co-sponsors present at the press conference whether they planned to vote for the Iron Dome funding, and each said yes.

Rep. Sara Jacobs, D-Calif., who is Jewish, underscored the defensive nature of the antimissile system in explaining her vote.

Ill be voting for it; I think what this bill that were talking about calls for is the legitimate use of our support for the security of Israel, and thats what Iron Dome does, she said. And its time for a new chapter and a new approach, where were making sure that this defensive equipment is used in furthering that.

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The vast majority of progressives overwhelmingly backed Iron Dome funding but with a caveat - JTA News - Jewish Telegraphic Agency