For the first ever, a quantum computer is available to the public as a cloud service thanks to the efforts of IBM scientists. Although the computer will be geared towards scientists and technology students, any member of the public who wants to get their hands on what is likely the future of computing is able to give it a try.
Quantum computers differ from the standard digital computers that we use today. While digital computers think in two states - zero and one - quantum computers use combinations of these two states to create multiple states. For example, it can be a zero, a one, both at the same time, a state in between or a more ambiguous state that falls under the category of "entanglement," which is indeterminable.
Since quantum computers work differently than digital computers, they can solve tasks much faster as well due to their ability to work with billions of variables simultaneously. Furthermore, they are ideal for machine-learning tasks, and many are hopeful that they will eventually develop the ability to think and reason.
In addition to processing, quantum computers are built differently. While IBM's model uses a silicon base just like regular computers, it relies on superconducting metals such as niobium and aluminum that must be kept at extremely low temperatures to effectively utilize their unique quantum mechanical properties.
In order to ensure a low enough temperature for proper functioning, IBM's computer is held in a special fridge that keeps it at ".015 above absolute zero, which is colder than absolute space," according to Jerry Chow, one of the leading scientists behind the project.
IBM's online quantum computer is a unique benchmark in the computing world and something that is very difficult to do.
"It's not a simple thing to do," said David Cory, professor with the University of Waterloo's Institute for Quantum Computing. "Quantum systems are really quite delicate."
Cory, who spent a weekend using the new service, also claims that IBM has done it right and provided an interface that is easy to use.
"Any student that has a first introduction to quantum computing would understand how to interact with this device," Cory said.
