Google Cloud Introduces Ethereum-Compatible RPC Service to Streamline Blockchain Development
On September 17, Google Cloud unveiled a new service aimed at simplifying blockchain development by offering an Ethereum-compatible Remote Procedure Call (RPC) solution. This new service provides a reliable means for decentralized applications (DApps) to interact with blockchain data, beginning with support for both the Ethereum mainnet and its testnets. It presents a cost-effective alternative to managing complex node infrastructures.
RPCs, or Remote Procedure Calls, are software protocols that enable one program to request services from another across different networks. In the context of blockchain, RPCs are essential for DApps, handling critical functions such as transaction validation, data retrieval, and node communication.
However, RPC reliability has long been a pain point in the blockchain industry. Performance issues such as delays or failures in RPCs can disrupt the functionality of DApps, which require real-time processing for transactions and data requests. In past instances, platforms like Ethereum’s layer-2 solution ZkSync, and blockchains such as Solana and Manta, have faced challenges during periods of high network activity, leading to significant disruptions.
Google Cloud‘s new Blockchain RPC service is designed to tackle these issues by harnessing its robust infrastructure to ensure greater reliability. The service is fully compatible with the widely-used JSON-RPC standard, allowing Ethereum developers to seamlessly integrate it into their existing DApps with minimal adjustments—essentially by modifying their RPC endpoints.
The service also includes a free tier, supporting up to 100 requests per second and a maximum of 1 million requests per day. This capability caters to real-time, data-intensive applications, making it accessible for both startups looking to explore blockchain technology and large enterprises in need of dependable infrastructure.
Kyle Quintal, Head of Engineering at the web3 analytics firm 0xArc, praised Google Cloud’s RPC service for offering “fast response times” and adherence to Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP) 1474 standards. This alignment made the decision to integrate the service into their systems a straightforward choice. EIP-1474 establishes a set of standardized RPC methods for Ethereum nodes, improving the overall developer experience.
Currently available globally in preview, Google Cloud’s Blockchain RPC service is set to expand its blockchain support in the coming year. This launch is part of Google Cloud’s broader strategic push into the blockchain space, building on its existing partnerships with various blockchain platforms such as EigenLayer, Aptos, Flare, and Polygon.
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