Google Cloud has introduced a Blockchain Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service to simplify the interaction of crypto developers with blockchain data and enhance the stability of decentralized applications (dApps).
The initial compatibility of the new service will be with the Ethereum mainnet and testnet, and there are plans to expand to additional blockchains next year.
The Google Cloud’s Blockchain RPC service is launching with an initial free tier that provides up to 100 call requests per second and one million requests per day, supporting a defined set of RPC methods for Ethereum nodes.
What is RPC
RPC, which stands for Remote Procedure Call, is a software communication protocol used to request a service from another program located on a different computer and network.
The Blockchain RPC service is designed to meet the needs of developers at various organizations, from startups looking for an easy entry point to blockchain to large enterprises requiring the reliability, security, and performance offered by Google Cloud’s infrastructure.
During unusually high network activity or transaction volumes, blockchain networks often encounter RPC issues.
Challenges with Current Blockchain RPC Providers
Google Cloud highlighted the ongoing challenge of RPC reliability for many crypto developers, as even slight delays or errors can impact the performance of decentralized applications that require the capability to clear and settle transactions instantly.
Google Cloud's connective RPC service addresses the key issue of RPC reliability for developers, simplifying the process by offering a scalable solution for interacting with blockchain data.
The free tier of the service makes it accessible to startups and larger companies and supports ETH's standard JSON-RPC, facilitating easy integration with developers' applications. The service's straightforward setup reduces the complexities of working with blockchain data.
As Google Cloud plans to add support for more smart contracts, the service will become even more appealing to developers.
Key Features of Google Cloud's Blockchain RPC
- Enterprise-grade reliability: The service leverages Google Cloud infrastructure to provide security and reliability, helping to ensure a dependable foundation for developers' applications.
- Cost-effectiveness: Blockchain RPC offers an economical alternative to dedicated nodes, providing up to 100 requests per second and 1 million requests per day in the free tier.
- Compatibility: Developers can easily transition from existing RPC providers by simply changing their RPC endpoints.
- Scalability: The service scales to handle growing request volumes, eliminating the need for manual scaling.
Google’s Future Plans
In addition to Ethereum, Google Cloud intends to expand the Blockchain RPC service to more chains next year, enabling creators to use the service across different platforms. The service is currently available globally, allowing individuals to explore its features through the free tier.
This launch demonstrates Google Cloud's increasing interest in blockchain advancement and its commitment to helping developers build better dApps. Earlier this year, the company introduced a Web3 portal with resources to support blockchain. By expanding its blockchain tools, Google Cloud continues to support developers in the growing Web3 space, making dApp development easier by offering reliable infrastructure and reducing the need to manage node structures.
The Role of Big Tech in Blockchain Growth
As we see more large tech corporations like Google, Microsoft, and Sony getting involved and expanding their activity in the blockchain space, their presence is undeniably strengthening the industry overall and laying the groundwork for further waves of mass adoption.
However, this growing influence also brings concerns about centralization and a potential shift towards a cloud-based economy, as these companies could dominate infrastructure and services, moving away from blockchain's decentralized roots. The increased reliance on cloud-based solutions may alter the dynamics of blockchain development, with more developers turning to centralized infrastructure rather than self-hosted or decentralized options.
The ideal scenario for the industry might involve a balance of enterprise-grade reliability, affordability, and scalability, while preserving decentralization. Such an approach could help ensure that blockchain technology remains accessible and secure, supporting innovation without compromising its foundational principles.
We'll continue to explore this evolving landscape — stay tuned for more insights!