Abstract: In recent years we have seen increased adoption of remote-access quantum computers. At the same time, the few on premises devices used to explore practical applications are used as black boxes. This is a reasonable outcome, as with growing levels of abstraction, the users running applications are seldom the ones operating the machines.
However, quantum computing could heavily benefit from an open stack solution, where users have full access to the inner workings and components of the machine, to test and develop alternative solutions, or optimize each layer individually. Firstly, quantum computing is not a fully mature technology, and experts and scientists can use the flexibility of an open stack solution to develop further, in terms of different qubit modalities and performance of components and technologies. Secondly, higher level users are also becoming more acquainted with the technology and can positively affect its development, if they have access to a transparent system. Lastly, developers around the world can start working on optimizing components for specific tasks, building more tools and even creating an element of standardization that will benefit the entire community. This tension between specialization and standardization is in part the element that would make flexible and transparent designs beneficial.
In this panel we will host a discussion between leading innovators with an aim to help the audience grasp the importance of Open Stack Quantum Computing. We will see how providers of quantum processing units, cryogenic systems, control equipment and software can work together with full transparency, to push for faster development. We will get acquainted with the challenges that open stack brings in larger projects such as a national computing center, and what it means to calibrate a transparent and dynamic system. Finally, we will get a feel of what kind of ecosystem the open stack is bringing to life and how it will impact quantum computing.