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We’ve had software as a service, platform as a service, and infrastructure as a service. Next up: quantum as a service. Here’s what that actually means

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The new tool that lets developers have a go with quantum

Quantum computing is on its way, after both IBM and Google claimed to have passed the quantum supremacy milestone. But how do the rest of us get involved? Amazon Braket lets developers, researchers and scientists try out quantum computing algorithms. We answer the big, small questions.

Here’s the short version. Classical computing uses binary – those ones and zeros we love so much – meaning each bit has two states. In quantum computing, each qubit can be a one, a two or both simultaneously. This means an incredible leap forward in processing power, but the output requires quantum algorithms to be understood. Quantum supremacy is when quantum computers have been built that can run computations that couldn’t be done in a reasonable amount of time – say, thousands of years – on a classical computer, but can now be completed by a quantum machine.

What does Amazon Braket allow?

Quantum computers are scarce, being cutting edge, expensive and massive in size. But plenty of people have ideas for how to use them. Amazon’s answer is to offer a virtual environment to access major quantum computer designs, including D-Wave, IonQ and Rigetti. Thus developers and researchers can have a go with quantum computers without having to travel to one. Other quantum computers also offer virtual access, but this way developers can try multiple machines without signing up to each one. Plus, Braket works for hybrid quantum algorithms, managing the balance between classical compute resources and quantum tasks.

What could this be used for?

Amazon has a few ideas for how to use its system. To start, Braket can help researchers with modelling, such as “describing the electronic structure of molecules,” Amazon suggests, or “the design of new materials and catalysts, drug discovery, and the exploration of high-temperature superconductors.” Beyond academic research, quantum computing is handy for optimisation and for machine learning, in particular building smart AI by using massive data sets for better learning models.

Why is now a good time to try quantum?

Researchers need to learn how quantum computing works and develop algorithms to crunch their data, calculations, models or whatever else. Rather than wait for their own university or company to pony up the cash for a quantum computer, they can access different styles of machine via Amazon Web Services.

How do you even get started?

There’s a range of prebuilt algorithms, tutorials, step-by-step guides, a resource library and developer tools to help with the learning curve . For more in-depth assistance, developers can also turn to the Amazon Quantum Solutions Lab, which offers access to quantum computing experts.

When will this be available? Amazon Braket is currently in preview, but would-be quantum developers can sign up now at aws.amazon.com/ braket. You’ll need an AWS account to register for an invitation.