Quantum Computing
Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS)
September 2023
Newsletter #4
Table of content
1. Understanding the QCaaS model
The rise of cloud services marked the first significant disruption in computing by making power and storage accessible anywhere. Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) is now emerging, offering QC resources and platforms to organizations on a broader scale. QCaaS simplifies the complex world of quantum computing into an on-demand service, like the Software as a Service (SaaS) model. Instead of software, however, organizations gain access to quantum computers without having to own, manage or deeply understand the complexity of quantum computing. By using quantum capacity hosted by a third-party provider, organizations can outsource computational tasks to quantum computers, retrieve results and integrate these insights into their workflows - all through a cloud interface. Currently, QCaaS can provide the basis for the complex challenge of combinatorial optimization, solving problems based on linear algebra and incorporating nonlinear equations (elliptic curves) ubiquitous in the computation of symmetric and asymmetric cryptographic ciphers.
2. Key benefits of QCaaS
Cost-effective entry point
The financial barrier for entering the quantum world is high, as a single quantum computer costs millions. QCaaS offers organizations an affordable entry point, as there is no need for upfront investment in hardware, maintenance or specialized teams.
Scalability
QCaaS enables organizations to scale their quantum requirements as needed. For intensive projects, computing power can be ramped up or down at a later phase to ensure optimal resource utilization.
Continuous innovation
The pace of research & development and innovation in the quantum field is high. Leveraging the QCaaS model ensures organizations can always access the latest quantum advancements.
Tailored solutions
QCaaS providers offer not only computing power, but also specialized software and support, allowing organizations to tailor quantum solutions to their specific requirements.
3. QCaaS Vendors
Several pioneering organizations have recognized the potential of QCaaS and established themselves as leaders in this emerging market:
- IBM Quantum: one of the first providers in the QCaaS landscape, IBM offers cloud-based access to quantum processors and simulators. The robust platform also provides educational resources to help organizations understand and use quantum capabilities.
- Google Quantum AI: Leveraging its massive cloud infrastructure, Google has opened the doors to its quantum developments, allowing organizations to access and test their quantum processors through cloud interfaces.
- Amazon Braket: Amazon's quantum venture, Braket, facilitates access to quantum hardware from multiple vendors. It also provides a quantum development environment that helps organizations design, test and run quantum algorithms without needing to invest in dedicated quantum hardware.
- Microsoft Azure Quantum: Microsoft's offering focuses on providing quantum programming and simulation with algorithm development tools, coupled with cloud-based simulations and access to select quantum hardware.
- D-Wave Systems: D-Wave specializes in quantum annealing and provides quantum computers designed for solving optimization problems. This organization has been focusing on both hardware and software advancements.
In addition to the above mentioned and well-known providers, several startups and niche providers offer specialized services that provide various quantum services. If you are interested in a detailed QCaaS provider overview, contact us; we will guide you through the vendor landscape.
4. Leverage QCaaS for your organization
Exploring use cases with QCaaS or integrating it into existing workflows requires an ecosystem that targets the right partners / vendors to deliver value based on organizational and strategic fit. The following steps are part of the ecosystem assessment:
Vendor / Partner ecosystem analysis
The vendor landscape ranges from established tech players to startups that provide a variety of services.
Capabilities and strategic gaps
In the fast-evolving market it is crucial to understand each vendor’s unique capabilities and gaps between them. Once you identify these, you can move forward with strategic alignments and investments.
Mapping vendors to use cases
Once you have shortlisted providers, you need to match their core competencies with the use cases you have identified. This ensures optimal results and efficient resource allocation.
We at PwC are a passionate community of solvers that help you to conquer your most complex challenges through the potential of quantum computing.
Contact us to learn more about how PwC's expertise can help you move in the right direction, collaboratively develop use cases that build on your strategic goals, create powerful new alliances, and develop QC prototypes and algorithms to solve real problems.
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