Quantum computing has been making waves in the field of information technology due to its potential to revolutionize the way we process data. It is a new type of computation that leverages quantum mechanics, a branch of physics that describes the behavior of particles at the smallest scales. Quantum computers are not just faster versions of our current computers. They operate on an entirely different level, using quantum bits or ‘qubits’ instead of binary digits or ‘bits’.

The rise of quantum computing in IT can be attributed to several factors. First, it promises unprecedented processing power. While classical computers use bits that can either be 0s or 1s, qubits can exist in multiple states at once thanks to superposition – a fundamental principle of quantum mechanics. This allows quantum computers to process vast amounts of data simultaneously.

Another factor driving the rise is its potential for solving complex problems that are currently beyond our reach. Quantum algorithms such as Shor’s algorithm and Grover’s algorithm have shown promise for factoring large numbers and searching databases respectively – tasks which would take classical computers an impractical amount of time.

Moreover, advancements in technology and research have made it possible for companies like IBM, Google and Microsoft to develop prototypes with increasing numbers of qubits thus bringing us closer than ever before to realizing practical quantum computing.

However, while there is immense potential for growth and advancement with this technology, there are still significant challenges ahead. These include maintaining coherence (the delicate state qubits need to stay in order for computations), error correction (since qubits are highly susceptible to errors) as well as developing new programming languages suited for this novel kind of computation.

Despite these hurdles though, industries across sectors stand poised at the cusp of a technological revolution brought about by quantum computing’s rise into mainstream IT discourse. For instance, pharmaceutical companies could simulate molecular structures more accurately thereby speeding up drug discovery; financial institutions could optimize trading strategies; logistics companies could find the most efficient routes and so on.

In conclusion, the rise of quantum computing in IT is a testament to human ingenuity and our relentless pursuit for knowledge. It has the potential to disrupt not just IT but various sectors across industries. While there are challenges that need to be overcome, with continued research and development, quantum computing might soon become an integral part of our technological landscape. Its impact on IT will be profound – reshaping how we process data, solve complex problems and ultimately, how we understand computation itself.