Quantum computers are fast becoming cheaper and smaller — and they could be coming to a data center near you very soon
IonQ claims we’re closer to widespread deployment of enterprise quantum computing as it lifted the lid on two rack-mounted models that can be deployed on-premises.
The startup has built the fourth-generation #AQ35 IonQ Forte Enterprise and the fifth-generation #AQ64 IonQ Tempo, both of which are designed to be deployed in enterprise and government data centers. It is also said to be deploying two quantum computers to the US Air Force.
While unveiling these two models, IonQ co-founder and CTO Jungsang Kim said quantum computers are already being used by companies to handle machine learning workloads. This, he added, suggests we are much closer to easily available and affordable machines.
Preparing companies for a quantum future
“We believe that quantum computing at the enterprise level, where it can be something of value to enterprises, can happen in the coming years if we build powerful enough quantum computers that can actually do things that classical computers will have a challenge with. do,” Kim said Bright electronics.
It is said that the mass deployment of cheaper and accessible quantum computers will take many years – and some scientists claim it will even take a decade, according to our sister site ITPro. But there are reasons to believe that systems will be deployed much sooner, with industry players keen to shorten that time to market.
IonQ first announced its Forte quantum computer in 2022 and made it available via the cloud this year. This on-premise iteration will be available from 2024. Housed in eight 48U rackmount cabinets, the Forte system is 40% smaller than its predecessor, while also boasting 64 times more processing power.
The Tempo model, meanwhile, will be available in 2025. IonQ claims that this model can be larger than what we can simulate with classical computers and GPUs, while its computing space is also 536 million times larger than that of Forte.
Despite the impressive nature of these machines, IonQ CEO Peter Chapman also admitted that the company is working to drive down the cost of its quantum computers. The company has not announced pricing information for either new model.