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Q – Initiative to build commercially available universal quantum computers

research.ibm.com

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Re: Q – Initiative to build commercially available universal quantum computers

#5

Post by cirgue »

I know next to nothing about quantum computing, but something about this seems extremely fishy. Had they developed a working quantum processor, would they not have publicized its capabilities far and wide before releasing an enterprise API? Failing at that, would there not be a benchmarks page that demonstrates the capabilities of this system? Could someone better acquainted with this technology weigh in?

Re: Q – Initiative to build commercially available universal quantum computers

#6

Post by bvod »

I tried testing the Bernstein Vazarani algorithm on a 5 qubit quantum computer that IBM let us use for an afternoon for one of my university classes last semester. It was unable to recover the hidden string, even though simulating the circuit classically recovered it. Anyone can launch a "quantum computer as a service" platform, but the service won't be valuable if the computer doesn't work. And so far no quantum computer has solved a problem faster than we can do classically

Re: Q – Initiative to build commercially available universal quantum computers

#8

Post by ssivark »

1. Do they claim that the backend is actually a quantum computer? Or are they just providing a quantum computing like interface, which is backed by a classical computer emulating a quantum computer?

2. Looking at their Terms Of Service (excerpt below) it's unclear whether you share rights any model that you try in their playground?

"IBM does not want to receive confidential or proprietary information from you through our Web site. Please note that any information or material sent to IBM will be deemed NOT to be confidential. By sending IBM any information or material, you grant IBM an unrestricted, irrevocable license to copy, reproduce, publish, upload, post, transmit, distribute, publicly display, perform, modify, create derivative works from, and otherwise freely use, those materials or information. You also agree that IBM is free to use any ideas, concepts, know-how, or techniques that you send us for any purpose. However, we will not release your name or otherwise publicize the fact that you submitted materials or other information to us unless: [...]"

Re: Q – Initiative to build commercially available universal quantum computers

#9

Post by moomin »

cirgue wrote: post #5

I know next to nothing about quantum computing, but something about this seems extremely fishy. Had they developed a working quantum processor, would they not have publicized its capabilities far and wide before releasing an enterprise API? Failing at that, would there not be a benchmarks page that demonstrates the capabilities of this system? Could someone better acquainted with this technology weigh in?

Indeed, someone spends what AFAICT is a very small amount of his time debunking every last claim that any given quantum computer does anything straightforward simulated annealing can't do.
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