Microsoft’s Azure Quantum group has outlined a plan to implement error correction in quantum computing, targeting a reduction of error rates from 1 in 1,000 to 1 in 1 million. Unlike IBM, which integrates both hardware and software for error correction, Microsoft provides access to various quantum hardware from different companies, allowing for flexible error correction schemes. The effectiveness of their proposed system has yet to be demonstrated with actual hardware.

IBM has unveiled its plans for a quantum computing system named Starling, which aims to perform 100 million operations without error using 200 logical qubits by 2029. The company is transitioning from discussing individual qubits to focusing on functional computational hardware units, emphasizing error correction and detailing intermediate steps in their development.