OVHcloud, a major global cloud hosting provider rooted in Europe, has announced the acquisition of its inaugural quantum computer, aiming to further stimulate innovation within the quantum computing ecosystem.
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The quantum-enabled MosaiQ computer, developed by the French company Quandela, is powered by a photonic processor.
The purchase of the quantum computer signifies OVHcloud's commitment to equipping its research and development department with the necessary tools to explore the potential of a Quantum Processing Unit (QPU) for various applications. Last summer, the company unveiled a plan to offer quantum-based computation as-a-service through multiple emulators, including Quandela's Perceval programming framework.
To support advancements in quantum computing, OVHcloud actively contributes to the field through initiatives like the France Quantum conference and its Startup Program. The latter offers technical support and credits to foster innovation in quantum computing among startups involved in both hardware and software.
Quandela's quantum system is anticipated to be delivered later this fall, representing a significant milestone for OVHcloud as the first cloud service provider in Europe to procure a photonic quantum system. The system utilizes photonics to create an upgradeable platform, enabling the reconfiguration of the QPU and facilitating the rapid expansion of overall computing capabilities through the addition of new modules.
"We deeply appreciate OVHcloud's trust in placing this order with us," stated Valerian Giesz, CEO and co-founder of Quandela. "This marks the first order for our startup's QPU, and it represents a remarkable achievement after being the first European startup to connect a quantum computer to a public cloud."
With 33 data centers across four continents housing over 450,000 servers, OVHcloud serves more than 1.6 million customers in over 140 countries. The company's integrated model, spanning over two decades, ensures complete control over its value chain, encompassing server design, data center construction and management, and the orchestration of its fiber-optic network. This unique approach empowers OVHcloud to independently cater to all customer needs while embracing an environmentally conscious model that maximizes resource efficiency and boasts industry-leading carbon footprint ratios.
Quandela, a provider of quantum photonics technology, specializes in the development of full-stack optical quantum computers available both on-premises and via cloud access. The company is currently among the largest players in the European quantum photonics market and offers cloud access to Ascella, its first 6-qubit quantum computer since fall 2022.
OVHcloud's acquisition of a quantum computer represents a substantial stride towards advancing the quantum ecosystem, as stated by the company itself. With Quandela's photonic quantum system, OVHcloud asserts its position to continue fostering innovation and driving progress within the realm of quantum computing.
Quantum computers utilize the principles of quantum mechanics to process and transmit data, operating with qubits instead of bits. This enables them to efficiently solve complex tasks that would be time-consuming or resource-intensive for classical computers.
The potential applications of quantum computers span diverse fields such as chemistry, biology, transportation, medicine, and cryptography. However, the construction of a fully-functional universal quantum computer is a challenging and costly endeavor, requiring breakthroughs in physics.
As a result, some companies offer quantum computing through cloud-based services, allowing users to access quantum computation over the internet without needing their own quantum computer. This approach offers several benefits:
- Reducing the cost and complexity associated with owning and maintaining a quantum computer.
- Enhancing the availability and scalability of quantum computing for a wide range of users and applications.
- Accelerating development and innovation in the field of quantum technologies.
Prominent companies providing quantum computing in the cloud include IBM, Google, Microsoft, and D-Wave. They offer various platforms and services tailored for working with quantum computers, each with its unique features:
- IBM Quantum Experience: A platform for creating and running quantum algorithms on real or simulated IBM quantum processors.
- Google Quantum AI: A platform for developing and testing quantum applications on Google quantum processors or using the Cirq simulator.
- Microsoft Azure Quantum: A platform offering access to diverse quantum resources from Microsoft and its partners, such as IonQ, Honeywell, and QCI.
- D-Wave Leap: A service for accessing D-Wave's adiabatic quantum computers specializing in solving optimization problems.
To utilize these platforms and services, users must register on the respective company websites and follow the instructions to connect to quantum computers. Proficiency in quantum programming and the use of specialized languages or frameworks is also required.
Quantum computers have the potential to tackle a wide array of tasks that are challenging or impossible for classical computers. Some examples include:
- Quantum chemistry: Modeling molecular structures and reactions to aid in the development of drugs, materials, and catalysts.
- Quantum optimization: Finding optimal solutions for complex tasks such as resource allocation, route planning, and production schedules to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Quantum cryptography: Ensuring secure data transmission and storage using quantum protocols like quantum key distribution to counter cyber attacks and espionage.
- Quantum machine learning: Applying quantum algorithms to analyze and classify large datasets for purposes such as pattern recognition, prediction, and recommendations.
Companies and organizations are already conducting experiments with quantum applications to showcase the capabilities of quantum computers. For instance:
- Google, in collaboration with NASA and the USRA, simulated the chemical reaction of hydrogen with nitrogenase using its 53-qubit Sycamore quantum computer.
- IBM, working with ExxonMobil, optimized cargo flow distribution in a petrochemical complex using its 20-qubit IBM Q quantum computer.
- Microsoft, in partnership with Case Western Reserve University, employed its Azure Quantum platform for processing medical images using quantum machine learning.
- D-Wave, together with Volkswagen, utilized its 2000-qubit adiabatic quantum computer, D-Wave 2000Q, to plan optimal routes for taxis in Beijing.
Photonic systems, while elegant, still lag behind ion traps and superconducting qubits in error correction and coherence times. Investing heavily in a 6-qubit machine with limited fault tolerance might be premature, especially when classical HPC and GPU clusters continue to dominate cloud workloads.
The promise of quantum-as-a-service via emulators sounds like vaporware until actual quantum advantage is demonstrated. Is OVHcloud chasing buzz rather than business ROI?