Google Cloud launches new Blockchain RPC service for Web3 devs

Google Cloud has announced the launch of a new Blockchain RPC (Remote Procedure Call) service, designed to provide Web3 developers with a simplified method for interacting with blockchain data. This service is intended to offer a cost-effective, scalable, and reliable solution that mitigates the complexities associated with managing node infrastructure.

RPC reliability is crucial for Web3 developers, as it can significantly affect the performance and availability of their applications. The Blockchain RPC service, now globally available in preview, has several key features aimed at addressing these concerns. These features include enterprise-grade reliability, cost-effectiveness, compatibility, and scalability.

The service leverages Google Cloud infrastructure to ensure security and reliability, creating a dependable foundation for developers' applications. Google Cloud's Web3 Product Lead, Nalin Mittal, stated, "With Google Cloud's Blockchain RPC service, we're bringing our expertise in operating large-scale infrastructure to the Web3 ecosystem, offering a robust backbone for decentralised applications."

One of the standout attributes of the Blockchain RPC service is its cost-effectiveness. The service provides up to 100 requests per second and 1 million requests per day within its free tier. This offers an economical alternative to dedicated nodes, making it accessible for both startups and larger enterprises. The free tier is designed to support real-time and data-intensive applications without the financial burden typically associated with such services.

Compatibility is another significant feature. Developers can transition from existing RPC providers by simply changing their RPC endpoints, facilitating an easy switch without extensive reconfiguration. The Blockchain RPC service is fully compatible with the Ethereum JSON-RPC standard, which means developers can integrate it into their applications with minimal effort. According to Kyle Quintal, Head of Engineering at 0xArc, "Google Cloud's Blockchain RPC offerings deliver fast response times — exactly what you'd expect from them. Coupled with the fact that Google Cloud follows the EIP-1474 standards and has the free-tier option, we integrated its service into our system right away and haven't looked back."

The scalability of the Blockchain RPC service addresses the growing needs of Web3 applications. The service is designed to handle increasing request volumes without the requirement for manual scaling, which removes a significant operational burden from developers. This feature ensures that as applications grow and their user base expands, the infrastructure can seamlessly support the higher demand.

At launch, the Blockchain RPC service supports the Ethereum mainnet and testnets, with plans to expand to additional chains over the coming year. This initial support allows developers to begin integrating and using the service immediately within the Ethereum ecosystem, one of the most widely used blockchain platforms.

The availability of the Blockchain RPC service in preview is poised to empower developers worldwide to build the next generation of Web3 applications. The service aims to support a wide range of organisations, from startups entering the blockchain space to established enterprises seeking reliable, high-performance infrastructure.