IBM's 2016 move to cloud-host its quantum computer marked a significant turning point, democratizing access to real quantum hardware and catalyzing a global research ecosystem. By providing cloud access, IBM enabled a broad range of users, from students to enterprises, to conduct experiments on actual quantum systems, thereby accelerating innovation and fostering the growth of a quantum software and applications layer. Over the past decade, IBM's quantum systems have undergone substantial scaling, evolving from modest five-qubit devices to more powerful machines boasting over 100 qubits, accompanied by notable improvements in error rates and software tools1. This progress has major implications for the cryptographic landscape, as advancements in quantum computing threaten to undermine existing cryptographic protocols, thereby increasing the urgency for organizations to migrate to post-quantum cryptography. So, practitioners must prioritize planning for this migration to ensure the long-term security of their systems.
‘Hey. You. Get on Our Quantum Cloud’: IBM Celebrates a Decade of Its Quantum Cloud
⚡ High Priority
Why This Matters
Quantum developments from IBM narrow the timeline on cryptographic migration — PQC planning urgency increases.
References
- The Quantum Insider. (2026, May 4). ‘Hey. You. Get on Our Quantum Cloud’: IBM Celebrates a Decade of Its Quantum Cloud. The Quantum Insider. https://thequantuminsider.com/2026/05/04/hey-you-get-on-our-quantum-cloud-ibm-celebrates-a-decade-of-its-quantum-cloud/
Original Source
The Quantum Insider
Read original →