Quantum-as-a-Service

Quantum computing is beginning to move from labs into commercial deployment, and one of the main ways companies will be able to access this technology is through Quantum-as-a-Service (QaaS) offerings.  Instead of companies investing in costly quantum hardware on-site, the QaaS model would allow them to tap into quantum capabilities via remote access services, much like they would with Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) arrangements. But while the delivery model may be akin to the SaaS model, quantum technology is still in its early stages and has unique hardware and infrastructure related challenges, as further described in a recent Covington blog post. Continue Reading Quantum-as-a-Service: Practical Considerations for Drafting and Negotiating Agreements

Quantum computing is largely in the research and developmental stage, but its commercial use is on the horizon. Due to the high cost and technical complexity of maintaining qubits, companies and individuals likely won’t own quantum computers themselves. Instead, access will mainly come through third-party platforms offering “Quantum-Computing-as-a-Service” (QCaaS) or “Quantum-as-a-Service” (QaaS).

Similar to the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) or Infrastructure-as-a-Services (IaaS) models, QaaS would be a remote access service model with a subscription or “pay for what you use” fee structure. The key differentiating factor with QaaS will be the underlying quantum computing infrastructure and the quantum computing algorithm. Due to the similarities between SaaS, IaaS and QaaS models, terms in a typical SaaS or IaaS agreement would be a good starting point for QaaS contracts. However, due to the experimental and volatile nature of quantum computing technology (at least initially), lawyers and legal practitioners should also consider the risks that are unique to quantum computing when drafting or negotiating a QaaS agreement:Continue Reading Quantum Computing: Overview of Drafting Considerations for Quantum-as-a-Service Agreements