IBM was at the forefront of creating the Quantum Cloud with its publicly accessible quantum services, which began several years ago. The public cloud pioneered by IBM might not be suitable for all companies and all use cases. Therefore, IBM offers a Quantum Accelerator to help provide additional services beyond the off-the-shelf services it already offers.
IBM Quantum
IBM Quantum is a pioneering initiative by IBM to advance the field of quantum computing. The company offers a range of access plans tailored to meet the diverse needs of its users, from educators and new learners to industry professionals and researchers. These plans are designed to provide users with varying levels of access to IBM’s quantum systems, ensuring that they can harness the power of quantum computing in a manner that aligns with their specific requirements.
A Concise Overview of IBM Quantum Cloud Evolution
2016: In May of this year, IBM unveiled the IBM Quantum Experience, allowing users to interact with and explore quantum computers through the cloud. This initiative was groundbreaking, as it represented one of the earliest instances where the broader public could engage with quantum computing technology. Initially, users were given access to a quantum computer with 5 qubits.
2017: Throughout the year, IBM consistently broadened its quantum horizons. By its conclusion, the firm had offered 20-qubit quantum computers to its cloud clientele. Furthermore, IBM revealed a 50-qubit processor prototype, highlighting their progressive strides in the quantum realm.
2018: January saw the debut of the IBM Q System One. This system was heralded as the globe’s premier integrated universal approximate quantum computing mechanism intended for both scientific and commercial applications. This system was engineered to maintain stability and auto-calibration, ensuring consistently high-quality qubits.
2019: IBM persisted in its dedication to quantum learning and inquiry. The IBM Q Experience was augmented to encompass an array of educational materials and instruments, aiding scholars and researchers in familiarizing themselves with the nuances of quantum computing.
2020: The reach of IBM’s quantum cloud offering saw further expansion, with an increasing number of entities becoming part of the IBM Q Network. This network is a synergistic alliance of enterprises, academic institutions, and research bodies collaborating with IBM to propel quantum computing forward.
2021: This year witnessed IBM making significant advancements in both quantum hardware and software domains. The firm dedicated efforts to enhance the coherence durations of its qubits, an essential aspect of quantum computation. Parallelly, IBM prioritized the creation of software utilities to render quantum computing more approachable for developers and scientific researchers.
2022: IBM is currently in the process of introducing an even greater number of qubits with the unveiling of ‘IBM Osprey’ – a quantum processor boasting 433 qubits. This processor stands out for having the highest qubit tally among all IBM quantum processors.
2023: As per the projections in IBM’s Quantum Roadmap, a staggering 1,121 qubit count is slated for launch. The ‘Condor’ processor is anticipated to be the quantum device with the most substantial qubit capacity.
IBM Quantum Accelerator
One of the notable offerings under the IBM Quantum umbrella is the “IBM Quantum Accelerator.” This is a full-service offering tailored for clients who wish to build upon the access provided by the Premium Plan. The Quantum Accelerator is not just about providing access to quantum systems; it’s about ensuring that clients are fully prepared for the transformative impact of quantum computing on their respective industries. To achieve this, the Accelerator offers personalized support plans. Clients can work closely with IBM’s in-house experts to develop a comprehensive roadmap towards quantum readiness. This involves building a foundational understanding of quantum principles, honing relevant skills, and identifying key areas where quantum computing can add significant value to their business operations. The ultimate goal of the Quantum Accelerator is to ensure that clients achieve quantum-readiness promptly, positioning them to capitalize on the commercial value that quantum computing promises to bring shortly.
In addition to the Quantum Accelerator, IBM Quantum also provides a glimpse into its development roadmap, showcasing past milestones and future aspirations in quantum computing. This roadmap serves as a testament to IBM’s commitment to driving innovation in this field and its vision of a future where quantum computing plays a pivotal role in solving complex problems beyond classical computers’ reach.