Quantum Operating Systems: How IBM, IQM, and D-Wave Run the Computers of the Future
When we think of operating systems, names like Windows, macOS, or Linux usually come to mind. In quantum computing, however, the machines are so different from regular computers that each company designs its own specialized operating system to control the hardware.
Three companies—IBM, IQM, and D-Wave—are already running operational quantum data centers, and each has built its own unique system for managing and programming their quantum processors. Let’s explore how each one works and why it matters.
🔹 IBM Quantum – Qiskit Runtime
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What It Runs On:
IBM develops gate-based superconducting quantum computers, one of the most widely used models in research and industry today. -
Operating System / Stack:
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Qiskit Runtime is IBM’s operating system layer, built to optimize and execute quantum programs.
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Developers use the Qiskit SDK (a Python-based toolkit) to write quantum applications.
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Programs are executed via the IBM Quantum Platform, which provides cloud access to IBM’s machines.
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Data Center Locations:
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Poughkeepsie, New York (USA) – Hosts systems like the 127-qubit Eagle and new Heron processors.
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Ehningen, Germany (Europe) – First European quantum data center with ibm_strasbourg and ibm_brussels.
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San Sebastián, Spain (launching late 2025) – Will host an IBM Quantum System Two with a 156-qubit Heron processor.
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Why It Matters:
IBM makes quantum computing accessible like cloud computing. Instead of owning a machine, researchers and businesses can log in remotely and run programs on some of the most advanced quantum hardware in existence.
🔹 IQM Quantum Computers – Qblox + OpenQL
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What It Runs On:
IQM also develops gate-based superconducting quantum systems, but with a strong focus on delivering on-premise machines to clients such as universities, governments, and research labs. -
Operating System / Stack:
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Uses Qblox electronics for control and OpenQL as the compiler/software layer.
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Offers compatibility bridges to Qiskit (IBM) and Cirq (Google) so that researchers can run existing code on IQM systems.
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Frequently integrates with high-performance computing centers, allowing hybrid classical + quantum workflows.
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Data Center Locations:
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Munich, Germany – Home to an IQM-operated site connected with the Leibniz Supercomputing Centre.
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On-Premises Installations – IQM has delivered systems directly to research partners and government agencies across Europe.
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Why It Matters:
IQM’s model is different from IBM’s: instead of only offering cloud access, IQM delivers actual hardware that clients can run in their own facilities. This gives organizations full control over their quantum computers and their data.
🔹 D-Wave Quantum – Ocean SDK
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What It Runs On:
D-Wave takes a completely different approach by building quantum annealers. These systems are not designed for general-purpose quantum computing but excel at solving optimization problems, such as logistics planning and network design. -
Operating System / Stack:
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Ocean SDK is D-Wave’s programming environment, designed to handle optimization tasks and hybrid workflows.
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Runs on Advantage Systems, with over 5,000 qubits available.
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Access provided through the Leap Quantum Cloud Service, available globally.
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Data Center Locations:
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Burnaby, Canada – Main facility hosting D-Wave’s Advantage systems.
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Cloud Access Worldwide – Businesses from finance, logistics, and manufacturing already use D-Wave via Leap.
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Why It Matters:
D-Wave was the first company to sell commercial quantum computers (since 2011) and is still focused on real-world applications. Its systems are already being used in industries to optimize complex processes.
⚡ The Big Picture
Each company’s quantum “operating system” reflects its vision for how quantum computing should be used:
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IBM makes quantum computing a cloud service, open to anyone with an internet connection.
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IQM builds custom quantum computers for organizations that want direct control and on-premise systems.
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D-Wave focuses on solving specific optimization problems using its unique annealing approach.
Together, they show how diverse the quantum computing landscape is becoming. Instead of one standard OS like Windows or Linux, quantum computing is evolving with different operating systems matched to different kinds of machines—and they’re all already running in real data centers.