Quantum computers are different from binary digital electronic computers based on transistors. Whereas common digital computing requires that the data be encoded into binary digits (bits), each of which is always in one of two definite states (0 or 1), quantum computation uses quantum bits, which can be in super positions of states. A quantum computer maintains a sequence of qubits. A single qubit can represent a one, a zero, or any quantum superposition of those two qubit states; a pair of qubits can be in any quantum superposition of 4 states, and three qubits in any superposition of 8 states.
First commercial Quantum computer has been recently launched by IBM under the name IBM-Q and it is currently available on cloud platform. It can be utilized for high power processing data and artificial intelligence. Quantum computer can be also benefit in the fields of medical, chemistry and financial sector.
- To utilized IBM-Q, IBM has developed a service called "Quantum Experience" which is available for 5 qubits cloud base Quantum computer. It can be accessed by API to run algorithms and experiments, work with individual quantum bits, and simulations around what might be possible with quantum computing.
- IBM is also expected to provide SDK in the first half of 2017, through which developers can make their own programs.
- IBM-Q can be utilized to resolve mysteries of nature as well in field of chemistry. It can be used for developing new chemicals and material too.
- It will ease process of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML).
- It can also help in enhancing security of clouds.
A tour of the IBM Quantum lab
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