Microsoft’s quantum breakthrough is considerable, but will enterprises bite?

With all the buzz about artificial intelligence, enterprise IT leaders must continue preparing for the quantum revolution. Microsoft’s breakthrough in quantum computing is its Majorana 1 chip. Decades of research have led to a fundamentally new approach to producing a quantum computing chip that delivers the first fault-tolerant prototype (FTP) based on topological qubits.

IT leaders must understand that it’s unlikely they will own a quantum computer. Instead, it is the opportunity to access the power of quantum in a hosted or “as-a-Service” mode that will deliver significant benefits for complex use cases varying from medical to aerospace. HFS believes IT leaders should engage with IT services and consulting partners to define what business needs can be solved via a qQuantum-as-a-Service model and how Microsoft’s Majorana system, coupled with its cloud, data, and AI offerings, may provide a solution for their firm’s advanced computing needs.

Microsoft’s breakthrough is significant because it creates an entirely new state of matter, allowing qubits to be small, fast, and digital controllable

In February 2025, Microsoft unveiled a new kind of quantum computer, creating topological superconductivity. The Majorana 1 system is based on what is considered a new state of matter, previously existing only in theory. This quantum system promises improvements in error correction, fault tolerance, and an ability to scale computing faster and more efficiently, thus leading to solving many practical scientific and business challenges.

Microsoft’s topological qubits can advance the ability to produce highly accurate computations by combining indium arsenide (the semiconductor element) with aluminum (a superconductor component). Akin to other quantum computing models, these must be cooled to near absolute zero, at which time magnetic fields are used to form topological superconducting nanowires, allowing Majorana Zero Modes (MZMs) to emerge at the ‘wire’s’ ends.

Controlling MZMs is a key breakthrough as it allows the measurement of electrons in an accurate and scalable manner. These MZMs are the building blocks of topological qubits, and they store quantum information through ‘parity’—whether each wire contains an even or odd number of electrons. This method differs from other quantum architectures as these systems depend on binding electrons to Cooper Pairs where any unpaired electron may be detected. Thus, error correction must be applied as the greater the qubits, the more energy is needed for fault tolerance. However, using MZMs, Majorana’s architecture makes unpaired electrons invisible, increasing the output quality without similar power constraints.

Microsoft uses digital measurements to improve accuracy. Adding digital switches on both sides of the semiconductor holding the electrical charge needed to create the parity between the qubits’ microwaves can be used to measure the changing charge—thus the computational capabilities. This advancement is crucial because it addresses the scalability issues that have long hindered quantum computing’s practical applications. Microsoft has published its roadmap for developing this prototype to scale to a million qubits and make it available to third parties for testing.

It’s all very technical here, but for a businessperson, this means Microsoft has pioneered a quantum system that can be measured digitally, increasing accuracy at scale and making it easier to build, deploy, and support as part of an enterprise-class, cloud-native solution.

The future of quantum is closer than ever before, with implications for enterprise IT

These advancements must be considered part of the evolving technology landscape for IT leaders buried in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and blockchain. Quantum computing based on Microsoft and other firms’ offerings has far-reaching implications ranging from scientific discoveries to improvements in complex global supply chain operations. Consider the impact on the following business functions:

1. Enhanced computational power: Quantum computers can solve complex problems exponentially faster than classical computers. This capability will revolutionize industries reliant on data-intensive tasks, such as pharmaceuticals, logistics, and financial services.
2. Security paradigm shift: Quantum computing threatens current cryptographic methods. To safeguard data against future attacks, enterprises must begin exploring quantum-resistant encryption.
3. Innovation acceleration: With quantum computing, enterprises can innovate at unprecedented speeds, developing previously unimaginable products and services.
4. Artificial general intelligence: There are expected links between artificial general intelligence (AGI) and quantum. Quantum computing relies on probabilistic learning, which enhances the ability to process and execute information when combined with access to extensive knowledge.

Despite the promise, the path to widespread quantum adoption is fraught with challenges

Quantum technology, including Microsoft’s, is still nascent, and skepticism remains about its scalability and practical implementation. Enterprises must weigh the potential benefits against the risks and uncertainties inherent in adopting such cutting-edge technology. The costs of talent and technology can be costly and difficult to acquire, but this doesn’t mean enterprises don’t have options. Consider the following:

• Invest in quantum research: Enterprises should allocate resources to understand quantum computing’s potential impact on their operations and industry. IT departments can access a growing number of quantum development kits, such as IBM’s Qiskit, to begin simulating how a quantum computer can help their enterprise.
• Develop quantum skills: Building a workforce skilled in quantum technologies will be crucial. Enterprises should consider partnerships with academic institutions and IT partners to invest in training and testing programs.
• Explore quantum computing partnerships: Collaborating with tech giants such as Microsoft is only part of the journey. Enterprise leaders should look to their IT services firms to provide the expertise and infrastructure needed to experiment with quantum solutions.

Microsoft isn’t alone in the quantum race, and standards aren’t a given despite this substantial technological leap

IBM continues advancing its quantum efforts with its Heron processor technology, which runs certain circuits with up to 5,000 two-qubit gate operations. While Microsoft promises a ‘new type of quantum,’ IBM has a more extensive installed base across universities and private and public organizations. While its lead isn’t insurmountable, when you combine the training and the early adoption of IBM’s solutions, Microsoft will need to develop compelling means by which potential partners and customers can test, simulate, and train IT organizations.

The Bottom Line: Microsoft’s quantum computing breakthrough represents a pivotal moment for enterprise IT.

While the technology is still evolving, and Microsoft will have to deliver on its roadmap to scale its Majorana 1, its potential to transform industries is profound. Enterprise leaders must stay informed and proactive, positioning their organizations to leverage quantum computing’s capabilities as they mature. By doing so, they can secure a competitive edge in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Microsoft’s quantum computing advancement may give it an edge over comparable investments from other firms because of its willingness to co-invest with its partners – unleashing the market for Quantum-as-a-Service. Microsoft can deploy its quantum solutions as part of its Azure cloud, which has made the race to quantum supremacy much closer—it’s time for IT leaders to get on board.