Amazon uses a “choice is good” approach to quantum, because different qubit designs are suitable for different classes of problems.
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Amazon unveiled Braket, a quantum computer service that represents a largely dutiful entry into the quantum computer market. each of these remains the task of the user.
To begin with, D-Wave, IonQ and Rigetti represent three different strategies for quantum computing: D-Wave offers a quantum annealer, IonQ uses trapped ion qubits and Rigetti develops a superconducting qubit co-processor. The quantum annealer of D-Wave is a common criticism in the industry because it is less robust than other approaches – their offer is based on all the problems expressed as a quadratic problem of unlimited binary optimization (QUBO). Relatively this is skim milk compared to the full designs of other computers.
SEE: Quantum computing: a guide for insiders (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
Although D-Wave claims that QUBO has business value – and there are companies that use it – few circumstances appear in which a D-Wave annealer performs well in a direct comparison with something else, for the practical reason that programmers must essentially write specifically for D-Wave.
Aside from that, D-Wave also criticizes for characterizing their quantum annealer as up to 5000 qubits. Amazon’s announcement blog post, published Monday, indicates that “as I write this, the largest quantum computers contain about 50 qubits.”
IonQ distinguishes itself by having partnerships with AWS and with Azure Quantum, announced last month at Ignite 2019 in Orlando. This is probably a good omen for IonQ in terms of availability for developers at least, given the size and market position of AWS and Azure. Similarly, Rigetti’s partnership is likely to help with mind sharing. Although there is no guarantee that the hosted platform model will beat quantum – taking into account differences between hardware developers – that the delivery model has worked for almost everything else so far.
In addition to the unveiling of Bracket, the company is rolling out a Quantum Solutions Lab, which, according to the company, allows organizations to “make use of our own expertise and that of our consulting partners. Our goal is to find practical applications with you and to to help you build your own ‘bench’ of qualified quantum developers. “
Similarly, the AWS Center for Quantum Computing, starting with Caltech, aims to “bring Amazon researchers and engineers together with leading academic institutions in quantum computing, develop more powerful quantum computing hardware and identify new quantum applications with the aim of stimulating innovation in science and industry “
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Image: DR JON HERAS, © DR JON HERAS / Science Photo Library / Corbis