Last year at its Build conference, Microsoft launched Azure Quantum in limited preview for select Microsoft partners and customers. This week, the company has announced that the recently unveiled cloud-based platform is now available in public preview.
“The unified Azure Quantum ecosystem will accelerate your R&D with access to diverse quantum software and hardware solutions, a network of leading quantum researchers and developers, a robust resource library, and flexible self-service or tailored development programs for customers and systems integrators,” Krysta Svore, the General Manager of Microsoft Quantum explained in a blog post.
The new Azure Quantum platform is a full-stack open cloud ecosystem that essentially unifies quantum software, hardware, and solutions. In terms of benefits, it should enable developers, researchers, systems integrators, and customers to leverage quantum computing power to build programs and skills for solving different business challenges.
Microsoft noted that Azure Quantum includes software resources and documentation for new users required to develop quantum applications. Specifically, it will allow users to get quick access to the open-source Quantum Development Kit (QDK) as well as the Q# programming language. The service also comes with the new Quantum Intermediate Representation (QIR), the company’s open-source interface based on LLVM.
Azure Quantum customers will be able to access quantum computing capabilities from various Microsoft’s partners, including Honeywell Quantum Solutions, 1QBit, and IonQ. “The transition to Public Preview of Azure Quantum is a key milestone for quantum computing and our ecosystem. This continues the momentum we saw last year, which includes selection for the National Quantum Initiative Quantum Research Centers, the addition of new Azure Quantum partners, and hardware advances in scaling control circuitry for qubits,” Svore added.
To get started, you can head to this website to try out Azure Quantum for free and the complete pricing details here. If you’re looking to learn more about the Azure Quantum platform, the team will hold a free Developer Workshop on February 2 at 8:00 AM PST. The event will cover technical demos, a live Q&A session, and keynotes from industry-leading partners.
