Outshift QRNG: True Randomness Now API-Accessible

Outshift’s Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) is now available via a free¹, developer-friendly API that delivers true quantum random numbers on demand and at scale. Powered by Cisco-developed quantum hardware, this offering gives developers access to high-entropy, quantum-generated randomness through a simple API call. 

As a follow-up to our previous QRNG announcement and in alignment with our expanding quantum portfolio, this continues Outshift’s innovation in the future of infrastructure, security, and developer tools.

QRNG vs. PRNG vs. CSPRNG and why it matters

Randomness is a fundamental pillar of modern digital systems, driving applications from cryptographic security and scientific modeling to online gaming. However, the effectiveness of these systems depends heavily on the quality of randomness they generate. Most modern systems rely on Pseudo-Random Number Generators (PRNGs) or Cryptographically Secure Pseudo-Random Number Generators (CSPRNGs) to create sequences that mimic randomness. 

Despite their widespread use, these methods are inherently deterministic, meaning the sequences they generate only appear random. If the underlying "seed" or algorithm is exposed, the output becomes predictable. This predictability exposes them to sophisticated attacks, rendering them unsuitable for scenarios where true unpredictability is essential. Imagine a lottery where the winning numbers could be guessed, or an encryption key that could be reverse-engineered – the consequences could be catastrophic. 

Outshift’s Quantum Random Number Generator (QRNG) represents a fundamental shift in generating randomness, moving from deterministic algorithms (PRNGs and CSPRNGs) to harnessing the inherent unpredictability of quantum phenomena. The result is reliable, pattern-free entropy that you can’t reverse-engineer—ideal for applications where true unpredictability matters.

Use cases where quantum randomness makes a difference

1. Scientific simulations: Power Monte Carlo and statistical models with high-entropy inputs to reduce bias, improve accuracy, and ensure reproducibility.
2. Gaming and lotteries: Build fairness directly into your applications using QRNG generated randomness – guaranteeing impartial outcomes, boosting transparency and user trust.
3. Cryptography and security: Generate encryption keys, initialization vectors, and tokens that can’t be reverse-engineered—strengthening your security posture with true, non-deterministic entropy.
4. AI/ML training: Use unbiased randomness for weight initialization, data shuffling, and dropout layers to improve model performance and robustness.
5. Financial modeling: Use truly random inputs for simulations and forecasting to avoid subtle patterns that could skew outcomes or introduce hidden risk.
6. Blockchain and Web3: Add externally verifiable randomness for consensus, oracle feeds, governance mechanisms, and smart contract logic—without relying on insecure internal generators.

True quantum randomness offers practical advantages across these domains—and now it’s just an API call away.

QRNG API: Key features

What you get with the Outshift QRNG API:

• True quantum-derived entropy — We are providing actual random numbers, validated by NIST test suite. Not just an API framework and not simulated, pseudo-random, or classical-physics-derived numbers.
• Simple API —  Get free access to up to 100,000 bits per day of random numbers, with 1,000 numbers per API call.
• Flexible formats — Your numbers can be in hex, binary, decimal, or octal, with selectable sizes up 10,000 bits. 

Why it’s different:

Unlike most QRNG projects, Outshift controls the full stack—from hardware to validation to delivery of the random numbers. This enables better performance, reliability, and transparency.

How developers can use the QRNG API

Outshift’s QRNG API gives you randomness you can trust, scale, and use instantly.

Getting started

It’s simple to begin using the QRNG API:

Step 1: Sign up and retrieve your API key

Visit the Outshift QRNG website, sign up for a free account, and log in to access your API key.

Step 2: Explore documentation and get familiar with the API endpoints

Take advantage of our technical documentation, guides, sample code, and detailed specifications for endpoints - all designed to minimize ramp-up time so you can focus on building. The API provides customizable endpoints for effortlessly accessing quantum randomness.

Example cURL:

curl --request POST \
     --url https://api.qrng.outshift.com/api/v1/random_numbers \
     --header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
     --header 'x-id-api-key: ******' \
     --data '{
       "encoding": "raw",
       "format": "all",
       "bits_per_block": 10,
       "number_of_blocks": 10
     }'

Step 3: Integrate into your project

Add QRNG API calls into your application, service, or research workflow to utilize high-quality quantum randomness. 

Reach out with more details about your project or any questions, and stay tuned for more developments in our quantum portfolio.

Looking ahead at quantum capabilities

This API launch is part of Cisco’s broader vision for quantum technology: secure, scalable, and developer-accessible tools that turn cutting-edge research into real-world impact.

By offering Outshift’s Quantum Randomness Number Generator as an API, we are taking a meaningful step toward that future—making a foundational quantum capability broadly available, easy to consume, and ready to power the next generation of innovation.

Start building with true quantum randomness today.
Get access to the Outshift QRNG via API →

¹ Notes: 

• This API is intended for evaluation purposes only. For production or high-security uses that require higher limits, specialized formats, SLA/support guarantees, or on-prem deployment, please contact us at outshiftbycisco@cisco.com.
• Numbers are generated in frequent, secure batches on the backend, then accessible on-demand.