On May 17, 2024, ISO and IEC published ISO/IEC 4879:2024, an international standard defining terms commonly used in the field of quantum computing. The document was the first deliverable produced under the newly established IEC/ISO JTC 3 on Quantum Technologies, though development had begun within JTC 1 Working Group 14 in 2020.
According to ISO, the standard is applicable to all types of organizations, including commercial enterprises, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations, for the purpose of exchanging quantum computing concepts. At 14 pages, it provides a concise set of agreed-upon definitions covering fundamental quantum physics concepts, quantum computing terminology, and related technical vocabulary.
ISO/IEC 4879 was originally titled “Information technology — Quantum computing — Terminology and vocabulary” during its development phase. Work on the committee draft had begun under JTC 1 WG 14 before the project was transferred to JTC 3 upon the latter’s formation in early 2024.