  Quantum computing is poised to dramatically change the computational
landscape, worldwide. Quantum computers can solve complex problems that are, at
least in some cases, beyond the ability of even advanced future classical-style
computers. In addition to being able to solve these classical
computer-unsolvable problems, quantum computers have demonstrated a capability
to solve some problems (such as prime factoring) much more efficiently than
classical computing. This will create problems for encryption techniques, which
depend on the difficulty of factoring for their security. Security, scientific,
and other applications will require access to quantum computing resources to
access their unique capabilities, speed and economic (aggregate computing time
cost) benefits. Many scientific applications, as well as numerous other ones,
use grid computing to provide benefits such as scalability and resource access.
As these applications may benefit from quantum capabilities - and some future
applications may require quantum capabilities - identifying how to integrate
quantum computing systems into grid computing environments is critical. This
paper discusses the benefits of grid-connected quantum computers and what is
required to achieve this.
