Techsplainers by IBM

This episode of Techsplainers introduces DevOps, explaining how this approach revolutionized software development by breaking down traditional silos between development and operations teams. The discussion traces DevOps' evolution from agile methodologies and CI/CD practices, detailing the eight core steps of the DevOps lifecycle: planning, coding, building, testing, release, deployment, operation, and monitoring. We explore how organizations implement DevOps through both technical workflows and cultural transformation, emphasizing automation, collaboration, and continuous feedback. The episode also addresses DevSecOps and how integrating security throughout the development process leads to more secure applications. We highlight real-world benefits of DevOps adoption, including faster delivery cycles, higher quality software, improved team collaboration, and better security posture, while acknowledging the challenges of implementation. Whether you're new to DevOps or looking to optimize existing practices, this episode provides valuable insights into this essential approach to modern software development.Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainersNarrated by Dan Segal

This episode of Techsplainers explores the diverse world of qubits—the fundamental units of quantum computing. The discussion examines various qubit implementations, including superconducting qubits (used in IBM's quantum computers), trapped ion qubits, quantum dots, photon qubits, and neutral atoms, with each offering unique advantages for different quantum computing applications. The episode then delves into quantum entanglement, the phenomenon Einstein called "spooky action at a distance," where measuring one qubit instantaneously affects its entangled partner regardless of distance. This remarkable property dramatically increases quantum computing power by enabling massively parallel computations. The conversation also addresses the significant challenge of quantum decoherence—how even tiny disturbances can disrupt qubits' delicate quantum states—and highlights promising advances in quantum error correction that may help overcome these obstacles as the field rapidly evolves.Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers. Narrated by Ian Smalley

This episode of Techsplainers explores qubits, the fundamental building blocks of quantum computing. Unlike classical bits that can only be 0 or 1, qubits can exist in superposition, representing both states simultaneously until measured. The episode explains how qubits harness quantum mechanics to potentially solve complex problems that would take classical computers thousands of years. We learn how qubits work through quantum superposition, why they can process multiple possibilities at once, and their applications in fields like cancer research, climate modeling, and drug discovery. The discussion also touches on the extreme conditions required to maintain qubit stability, setting the stage for future episodes about different types of qubits and quantum entanglement.Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers. Narrated by Ian Smalley

This episode of Techsplainers explores the revolutionary applications of quantum computing across diverse industries and disciplines. We dive into how quantum computers could transform pharmaceutical development by simulating molecular interactions digitally, potentially reducing drug discovery timelines from 15 years to just months. The discussion extends to quantum computing's applications in materials science, climate change mitigation, artificial intelligence, and financial modeling. We'll look at the critical distinction between "quantum utility" (already achieved) and "quantum advantage" (expected by 2026), while addressing the significant challenges facing the field, including qubit scaling and quantum error correction. The episode highlights how industries from healthcare to logistics to energy management are already investing in quantum research, with companies like Moderna, HSBC, and FedEx exploring quantum solutions for complex optimization problems. Listeners gain insight into IBM's quantum roadmap, which aims for 2,000 logical qubits by 2033, and learn how quantum-centric supercomputing—the strategic combination of quantum and classical systems—represents the most promising path forward. Rather than merely offering incremental improvements, quantum computing promises to solve problems that are currently impossible, potentially revolutionizing our approach to some of humanity's most complex challenges.Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers. Narrated by Ian Smalley

This episode of Techsplainers explores the inner workings of quantum computers, diving deep into the physical mechanisms and infrastructure that make quantum computing possible. We break down the fundamental concept of qubits and explain how their ability to exist in superpositions creates exponential computational power. The episode examines different qubit types, including superconducting, trapped ion, quantum dots, and photonic qubits, while explaining why quantum computers require massive cooling systems operating at temperatures colder than space. Listeners will gain insights into how quantum computers differ fundamentally from classical computers in their approach to problem-solving, the emerging field of quantum-centric supercomputing, and the development of accessible quantum programming tools like IBM's Qiskit. The discussion highlights that quantum computers won't replace classical systems but will complement them by tackling previously impossible calculations, with quantum technology advancing rapidly toward systems with thousands of qubits and improved error rates.Find more information at https://www.ibm.com/think/podcasts/techsplainers. Narrated by Ian Smalley