Why GCCs Are Critical Players in Enterprise Quantum-Safe Journeys
As the quantum era approaches, quantum risk is no longer a theoretical concern. Enterprises worldwide are beginning to recognize the urgency of preparing for the post-quantum future. Global Capability Centers (GCCs) are uniquely positioned to lead this transformation for their organizations.
Gireesh Kumar N.
5/14/20251 min read
From Support to Strategy
Historically, GCCs have been regarded as delivery engines, primarily supporting execution and cost efficiency. Today, their role is rapidly evolving. GCCs are emerging as strategic hubs for innovation, cybersecurity, and advanced technologies. Global CxOs and boards are expecting GCCs to go beyond delivery and take ownership of driving innovation and transformation.
Quantum-safe migration is one of the critical areas where GCCs can add significant value by shaping strategy and ensuring enterprise-wide readiness.
Why GCCs Are Best Positioned
GCCs hold several advantages that make them central to post-quantum initiatives:
Proximity to enterprise IT and cybersecurity operations: Embedded within global technology ecosystems, GCCs have visibility into core systems and data flows.
Deep understanding of business systems: Their direct involvement with enterprise applications enables them to identify where cryptography is used and how it supports critical processes.
Access to highly skilled talent: GCCs employ some of the most technically skilled cybersecurity and IT professionals globally.
Growing responsibility in compliance and risk: Many GCCs already lead enterprise-wide programs for regulatory alignment, risk management, and resilience.
These factors position GCCs as the natural hub for managing quantum-safe migration across the enterprise.
The Role of GCCs in Quantum-Safe Migration
Quantum-safe migration requires coordinated action across multiple functions. It is not a task for a single team but a structured, organization-wide effort. Key activities include:
Cryptographic discovery and inventory across systems and applications.
Risk assessment, with a focus on protecting long-term sensitive data vulnerable to “harvest now, decrypt later” attacks.
Architecture modernization to build crypto-agility and enable post-quantum integration.
Phased migration planning and execution.
Ensuring compliance with evolving regulations from bodies such as NIST, NSA, and the European Union.
These are the types of cross-functional, large-scale initiatives where GCCs have demonstrated strength and effectiveness.
Conclusion
Quantum-safe migration is no longer optional. For enterprises, it is both a security imperative and a strategic opportunity. GCCs have the talent, visibility, and organizational reach to lead this transformation. Those that step forward now will not only secure their organizations for the quantum era but also establish themselves as trusted innovation leaders.