For the first time, researchers have developed a reference architecture for quantum software that integrates applications and hardware
In the future, quantum computers could solve complex problems that today’s computers cannot handle, such as developing new materials or planning supply chains. So far, however, these systems are prone to malfunctions and are primarily used in research laboratories. Furthermore, there is a lack of standards for software development. In a joint research project led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Engineering IAO, researchers from the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) and the FZI Research Center for Information Technology are now developing, for the first time, a holistic reference architecture for quantum software. After all, even the most powerful computers are useless without the right programs.
The reference architecture developed in the FullStaQD project is intended to serve as a common blueprint for future applications on various types of quantum hardware, thereby establishing a uniform foundation for the development of quantum software from the very beginning.
Software for Computers That Don’t Yet Exist
The problem: There is a lack of common standards, not only for the hardware but also for the software. “The quantum computing software landscape is highly fragmented. Many software solutions are therefore tightly tied to a specific piece of hardware,” says project leader Philipp Kunst of Fraunhofer IAO. As the technology evolves, the programs often have to be adapted as well. At the same time, new technical approaches for quantum computers are constantly emerging. “This hinders collaboration and makes it difficult to further develop software over the long term.”
“We want to avoid a repeat of the software crisis of the 1960s,” says Professor Ina Schaefer from the KASTEL - Institute of Information Security and Dependability at KIT. At that time, powerful computers were available, but there was a lack of mature software to utilize them.
A “Plug-and-Play” Solution for Quantum Computing
Instead of developing software for a specific quantum computer, Schaefer’s
team is therefore creating a blueprint that describes how different quantum computers and software solutions can work together in the future. Schaefer explains how this works using an everyday example: “No one knows today what devices will be plugged into an outlet 20 years from now. Nevertheless, there are standards for outlets and plugs. They don’t specify which device will be built, but only how devices and the power supply work together.”
The new reference architecture also works according to this principle: “We don’t define any specific quantum hardware or concrete applications. Instead, we describe which tasks the individual layers of a quantum software system perform and how they communicate with one another,” says Schaefer. The architecture thus remains open to future technological innovations. At the same time, it creates a foundation on which multiple teams can collaboratively develop larger software systems.
Developing Applications and Hardware Independently
The reference architecture divides quantum software into three layers: applications, system functions, and hardware. At the application layer, programs are developed for specific tasks, such as in logistics or materials research. The hardware layer comprises the quantum computer. In between lies the system layer, which connects both divisions.
“This allows applications and hardware to be further developed independently of one another. Those working on new applications do not need to know the technical details of the hardware. Conversely, existing programs can be adapted to hardware improvements with minimal effort,” explains Oliver Denninger, head of the Software Engineering research division at FZI. At the same time, new hardware technologies can emerge without requiring the entire software stack to be redeveloped.
“For quantum computing to become economically viable in the future, we must develop the software side on an equal footing with the hardware from the very beginning,” says Kunst. The researchers now intend to develop the necessary software components in the next phase of the project.
The FullStaQD Project: From Concept to Practice
The first version of the reference architecture presented here marks the first milestone in the FullStaQD project. In the next step, the project partners will develop an open-source reference implementation. It is intended to provide freely available components and will be presented next year. The reference architecture is available online at: https://fullstaqd.github.io/architecture/
The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) is funding the project with approximately 15 million euros. Of this amount, about 700,000 euros will go to KIT.