T-Systems takes quantum leap
- July 26, 2023
- Steve Rogerson

T-Systems plans to provide its customers with cloud access to quantum computing following a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with European specialist IQM Quantum Computers,
IQM builds superconducting quantum computers. T-Systems customers will be able to train their skills and develop use-cases on IQM’s quantum infrastructure.
This access will be integrated into the Deutsche Telekom affiliate’s cloud landscape. T-Systems will also offer its customers dedicated quantum know-how and training, tailored to their needs in a set of customisable packages. These range from one-day introductory sessions to business case proofs-of-concept over several months.
Quantum computing opens up novel approaches to algorithm design. The technology could solve problems too complex for today’s computers. Experts forecast vast potential in the areas of machine learning, security, optimisation and simulation.
In March this year, T-Systems launched its quantum-as-a-service (QaaS) offering. This announcement sees T-Systems expand its offering to a multi-cloud quantum landscape.
“I’m delighted that we are growing our quantum offering,” said Adel Al-Saleh, chief executive of T-Systems. “This technology will play a central role in Europe’s future competitiveness. Today’s announcement with IQM means our customers can access a truly sovereign quantum environment, built and managed from within Europe.”
Head of partnership of IQM Peter Eder added: “With our technical track record and quantum technology capabilities, we are excited to extend our quantum services to T-Systems customers and fuel the adoption of quantum computing for the global enterprise market.”
Eder said the partnership underlined IQM’s commitment to delivering to enterprise customers, and this announcement underscored its dedication to empowering partners with the tools needed to stay at the forefront of technological advancement and boost business growth.
IQM provides on-premises quantum computers for supercomputing centres and research labs and offers full access to its hardware. For industrial users, it provides an application-specific, co-design approach. IQM’s commercial quantum computers include Finland’s first commercial 54-qubit quantum computer with VTT and IQM-led consortium’s (Q-Exa) HPC quantum accelerator in Germany. IQM processors will also be used in the first quantum accelerator in Spain.
IQM has over 250 employees with offices in Paris, Madrid, Munich, Singapore and Espoo.
Quantum computing draws on the fundamental laws of nature to carry out calculations using quantum bits, or qubits. Unlike each bit on a classical computing system, which can represent either 1 or 0, qubits occupy a superposition, representing a probability distribution between 0 and 1. This allows for exploration of exponentially larger compute spaces, and gives quantum computers the potential to solve complex problems beyond the means of even the most powerful classical supercomputers.
By integrating quantum computing into its portfolio, T-Systems aims to leverage its position in advisory, cloud services and digital offerings beyond the local markets in key focus industries. The goal is to provide clients with a seamless experience, incorporated into their cloud landscape, as they look to uncover the potential of quantum computing for their businesses.