Alibaba Cloud in collaboration with Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), China's leading academic and research institute has launched the superconducting quantum computing cloud. The cloud features a quantum processor with 11 quantum bits (qubits) of power which is one of the two most powerful public quantum computing services available in the world to date.

The cloud offers a range of features including the ability to work at extreme temperatures as low as 10mk (or -273 degrees Celsius).

Alibaba said users can access the superconducting services through its Cloud's quantum computing cloud platform to efficiently run and test custom-built quantum codes and download the results. "With the development of an "ultimate computing power", users will be able to run and perform trials of their quantum algorithms in order to learn more about the features and capabilities including the performance of the processor and any existing technological barriers", mentions their website.

Quantum computers hold a significant processing power compared with today's conventional computers, by harnessing the effects of quantum physics. It helps researchers and scientists to overcome the challenges towards full utilization of this powerful technology and further propels its advancement in the industry.

Commenting on the development, Dr. Shi Yaoyun, Chief Quantum Technology Scientist at Alibaba Cloud, said: "By introducing quantum computing services on cloud, we make it easier for the teams to experiment with quantum applications in a real environment to better understand the property and performance of the hardware, as well as leading the way in developing quantum tools and software globally. The user experience offered on the cloud will, without doubt, help us further enhance our platform."

Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing division of Alibaba Group, is among the world's top three IaaS providers according to Gartner, and the largest provider of public cloud services in China, according to IDC. It offers a comprehensive suite of cloud computing services to businesses worldwide, including merchants doing business on Alibaba Group marketplaces, start-ups, corporations and government organizations.

The company has made significant developments in the quantum technology over recent years. In July 2015, Alibaba Cloud and CAS established their first quantum computing laboratory in Asia and made a breakthrough in achieving the world's first cloud-based quantum cryptography method. Moreover, in May 2017, both the organizations participated in the development of the world's first photon quantum computer.