IBM has introduced the Qiskit Functions Catalogue, a novel suite of services designed to simplify the programming of quantum computers by removing much of the complexity associated with these advanced machines.
“I believe this marks the next significant transition since we integrated quantum computing into the cloud,” Jay Gambetta, IBM’s VP overseeing its quantum initiatives, shared with me. “I am eager to explore its capabilities, which can only be realised through high-performing hardware and, equally important, efficient software.” I feel a similar excitement to when I first launched the quantum computer on the cloud, eager to observe the community’s response.
Quantum computers are consistently advancing in size, performance, and error correction capabilities. Although we are still several years away from machines capable of executing algorithms that would require an impractical amount of time on classical computers, we have reached a stage where the existing generation of machines can be utilised for a defined range of experiments. Having functional hardware is just one aspect of the equation. Writing applications for that hardware presents a different set of challenges.
Introduced in 2017, IBM’s Qiskit stands out among a select group of quantum programming frameworks, which also feature Microsoft’s Q# and Google’s Cirq. However, it is probably the one that has garnered the most attention and recognition in the field. The Functions Catalogue aims to empower domain experts who may lack expertise in managing the complexities of quantum computers to begin utilising quantum computing effectively. A company such as Qedma is implementing its innovative approach to error mitigation within a functional framework. 
IBM’s strategy focusses on collaborating with the broader quantum computing sector to develop a comprehensive library of functions. This library enables developers to seamlessly integrate these functions into their Qiskit-based applications, much like programming for classical computers. Additional partners consist of Q-CRTL, Algorithmiq, and Qunasys. Similar to Qedma, Algorithmiq provides a service dedicated to error mitigation in noisy systems. Meanwhile, Qunasys is delivering a service designed to address the ground state energy estimation problem, which holds significant relevance for chemistry-related challenges.
“The advancements in software and computation that have transformed the classical realm of abstraction are now materialising in the quantum domain,” Gambetta stated. Today, few developers concentrate on writing assembly language. Not too long ago in the realm of quantum computing, developers faced the challenge of mapping their algorithms to quantum circuits tailored for specific hardware targets. The Qiksit framework has already streamlined many aspects of this process, and now the Functions Catalogue seeks to simplify the application of various innovations within the ecosystem for those who may not be experts in quantum computing, enabling them to address their specific challenges more effectively.
“I believe this development will be as transformative as the advent of cloud computing, as it will shift the focus from understanding quantum gates and circuits to exploring how quantum computing can be seamlessly integrated into everyday workflows.” I can confidently set aside concerns regarding these details. “This is merely the beginning,” Gambetta stated. He emphasised that the ongoing advancements in both software and hardware, along with innovations from the broader partner ecosystem, will create a more streamlined developer experience for users, ultimately unlocking the full potential of quantum computing.
Gambetta emphasised that the company has not yet reached the stage of focussing on enterprise developers. “It has transitioned from the physicist to the computational scientist and now to the chemist.” It is expanding the possibilities, enabling computer scientists to engage and broaden the technical scope of what can be achieved with quantum computing,” he stated.
In conjunction with today’s announcement, IBM is introducing Benchpress, a collection of new benchmarks designed for quantum software development kits. Through the execution of more than 1,000 tests, with only a few authored by IBM, the company compared Qiskit to BQSKit, Braket, Cirq, Stak, and TKET. IBM is currently rewriting Qiskit in Rust for improved performance, which generally outperforms other SDKs by a wide margin. It achieved a speed increase of 13 times in transmission and circuit production while simultaneously generating more efficient circuits.
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