Google Cloud has officially launched its Ethereum-compatible Blockchain Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service to enhance the decentralised application (DApp) ecosystem. This development is expected to significantly improve the reliability and performance of blockchain interactions, offering developers an easy way to interact with the Ethereum blockchain.
Initially compatible with the Ethereum mainnet and testnet, the Google Cloud Blockchain service is set to expand to other blockchains over the coming year. As blockchain networks continue to grow in popularity, this new service represents Google Cloud’s deeper push into the crypto and Web3 space, solidifying its role as a key infrastructure provider for blockchain developers.
Boosting Blockchain Integration with Google Cloud Blockchain
Announced in a blog post on 17th September, Google Cloud’s Blockchain RPC service offers developers a streamlined way to interact with Ethereum-based DApps. The service allows developers to access blockchain data quickly and securely, with support for Ethereum’s JSON-RPC standard, simplifying integration. “The Google Cloud Blockchain RPC service can be integrated into Ethereum-based DApps with just a single line of code,” the blog post stated.
This integration is crucial for decentralised applications that need reliable and near-instant transaction clearing and settlement. Speaking about the launch, a Google Cloud spokesperson said, “We see Google Cloud Blockchain as a foundational step towards providing developers with the infrastructure they need to build reliable, scalable blockchain applications.”
The service comes with a free tier, offering up to 100 call requests per second and a total of one million requests per day. This makes it particularly appealing for startups and small teams looking to build on Ethereum without hefty upfront infrastructure costs.
Addressing a Key Pain Point: RPC Reliability
The importance of this service lies in addressing a long-standing pain point for developers: RPC reliability. Remote Procedure Call (RPC) protocols allow software programs to request services from others across different networks and devices. In the context of blockchain, RPCs are vital for decentralised applications to interact with blockchain nodes, retrieve data, and process transactions.
However, many blockchain networks, including Ethereum, have struggled with RPC issues, particularly during periods of high network activity. Even slight delays or failures in RPCs can cripple the functionality of DApps, leading to sluggish transaction times or even outages.
“RPC reliability has been a bottleneck for many blockchain applications,” commented blockchain expert Matthew Gillen, CEO of DApp consultancy firm DecentraTech. “Developers have faced challenges during peak traffic times, especially with Ethereum, where sudden surges in transaction volume can create congestion and delays.”
Google Cloud Blockchain aims to mitigate these issues, making it easier for developers to maintain stable and fast-performing DApps even during times of high demand. This is essential for applications in decentralised finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and other areas that rely on quick and accurate transaction processing.
Expanding to Additional Blockchains
Although Google Cloud Blockchain currently supports Ethereum, the tech giant has plans to expand the service to include additional blockchains in the near future. This is a crucial step as multi-chain interoperability becomes increasingly important in the world of Web3.
Commenting on future plans, Google Cloud’s blockchain team said: “We are actively exploring additional blockchain networks to support on Google Cloud Blockchain. Our goal is to offer comprehensive blockchain infrastructure solutions that cater to developers across different ecosystems.”
Experts believe that the addition of other blockchains, such as Solana, Binance Smart Chain, or even Bitcoin, would make the Google Cloud Blockchain service a one-stop solution for Web3 developers. “Ethereum is a strong starting point, but a full blockchain offering will need to support a variety of networks to cater to the diverse needs of DApp developers,” noted Clara Weaver, a blockchain analyst at CryptoInsights.
RPC Issues in the Spotlight
Google Cloud’s Blockchain RPC service comes at a time when the performance of RPCs has been under scrutiny. In June, Ethereum’s layer-2 scaling network, ZKsync, experienced significant network delays due to high traffic volumes and degraded RPC functionality. These kinds of incidents highlight the critical role that reliable RPC services play in the functioning of blockchain networks.
With Google Cloud Blockchain entering the scene, there’s hope that such issues could be mitigated. “With Google Cloud Blockchain, we are committed to addressing the reliability issues that have plagued the blockchain space,” said the company in its blog post.
Despite its strong offering, Google Cloud’s foray into blockchain has not been without criticism. When the company launched its Web3 Portal in April, it faced backlash over the platform’s user interface and its limited support for other blockchains beyond Ethereum. While the Web3 Portal was criticised for its “terrible” UI, according to some users, the Google Cloud Blockchain launch is being viewed more positively, with a broader focus on functionality and developer needs.
The Road Ahead for Google Cloud Blockchain
As blockchain adoption continues to rise, infrastructure players like Google Cloud are poised to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of Web3. By offering developers scalable, reliable, and easy-to-use tools, Google Cloud Blockchain is positioning itself as a key enabler of decentralised applications and services.
Looking ahead, the expansion of Google Cloud Blockchain to support additional networks could further enhance the service’s appeal, particularly among developers building multi-chain applications. With the integration of Google’s cloud infrastructure and a growing focus on Web3 technologies, the future looks promising for the tech giant’s role in blockchain development.
For developers looking to scale their applications, the new service could be a game-changer. “We are witnessing the convergence of cloud computing and blockchain in a way that can bring DApps to a much broader audience,” concluded blockchain consultant Simon Masters.
