Equinix to offer businesses Quantum Computing as a Service

Quantum Computing as a Service (QCaaS) is enabling businesses to leverage quantum computers without breaking their budget. When quantum computing use cases were being trialed, many organizations felt using the technology was not affordable to them. Organizations also felt that they did not have sufficient skills to handle the technology despite the possibilities they could see it held.

As such, some tech vendors begin offering QCaaS. Instead of investing in quantum computers, QCaaS provides businesses and researchers access to quantum computing capabilities via the cloud. This allows them to run sophisticated algorithms and test use cases remotely without having direct access to the hardware.

Not only does QCaaS allow businesses to control their budget on quantum computing, but it also allows them to be more flexible in testing numerous use cases. Globally, quantum computing as a service industry continues to grow with more tech companies offering it to businesses as a more cost-efficient alternative.

Now, Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC), a leading global Quantum Computing as a Service company, and Equinix are aiming to make OQC one of the most powerful quantum computers available commercially to businesses worldwide via Equinix’s TY11 Tokyo International Business Exchange (IBX) data center.

OQC is installing its quantum hardware in TY11 and plans to leverage Equinix’s on-demand interconnection solution, Equinix Fabric, to make QCaaS available to businesses and organizations around the world on Equinix’s global platform in late 2023.

Once connected to Equinix Fabric, businesses will benefit from the ease of access to quantum computing as if it is on-premises, meaning that they can trial and experiment with the ground-breaking technology by directly connecting to QCaaS within their own digital infrastructure with greater security and ease.

IDC predicts that by 2026, 95% of companies will invest in computing technologies that deliver faster insights from complex data sets to drive differentiated business outcomes. Andrew Buss, Senior Research Director, Europe: Future of Digital Infrastructure at IDC, believes that for data-driven businesses, the ability to differentiate and remain competitive comes down to delivering meaningful insights on increasingly complex scenarios within tight timeframes.

“This is driving them to invest in cutting-edge technologies, such as quantum computing, that have the potential to revolutionize key data-to-insights functions. Making quantum computing available ‘as-a-Service’ on a globally interconnected digital infrastructure should significantly reduce barriers to experimentation and adoption such as cost, skills, and the complexity of integration—and open up quantum technology to many more organizations to test and use,” said Buss.

Dr. Ilana Wisby, CEO at OQC, highlights that installing quantum computing represents a significant shift in technology and process. Unlike traditional classical computers, quantum computers can crunch vast amounts of data at incredible speeds.

“We are excited to work with Equinix to help businesses around the world build their quantum skillset and capabilities. The future is here, and we are setting the pace for the era of quantum computing,” added Wisby.

Arun Dev, Global Head of Digital Interconnection at Equinix, highlighted the benefits and importance of Equinix Fabric for customers such as OQC wanting to expand their connectivity opportunities.

“Quantum computing has the potential to transform the way businesses solve problems both now and into the future, especially as our customers look for more innovative solutions. As the world’s digital infrastructure company, we are proud to enable easier, secure, high-bandwidth access to this pioneering technology to thousands of businesses around the world,” commented Dev.

It is expected there will be growing demand from organizations, with the technology set to support a wide range of sectors, from drug discovery and development to risk management, banking and advanced manufacturing.

---

---

---

---