Data centers are nowadays referred to as the digital world's cornerstone. Quantum key distribution (QKD) is a method that solves the problem of distributing cryptographic keys between two entities, with the security rooted in the laws of quantum physics. This document provides an assessment of the need and opportunity for ushering QKD in data centers. Together with technical examples and inputs on how QKD has and could be integrated into data-center like environments, the document also discusses the creation of value through future-proof data security as well as the market potential that QKD brings on the table through e.g., crypto-agility. While primarily addressed to data center owners/operators, the document also offers a knowledge base to QKD vendors planning to diversify to the data center market segment.

翻译：数据中心如今被称为数字世界的基石。量子密钥分发（QKD）是一种基于量子物理定律确保安全性的密钥分发方法，能够解决两实体间加密密钥的分发问题。本文评估了在数据中心引入QKD的迫切需求与潜在机遇。通过技术实例与QKD在类数据中心环境中的集成案例及前景分析，本文还探讨了通过前瞻性数据安全创造价值的可行性，以及QKD通过密码敏捷性等特性带来的市场潜力。本文主要面向数据中心所有者/运营商，同时也为计划拓展数据中心市场的QKD供应商提供知识基础。