Google Cloud has introduced a Blockchain Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service designed to simplify the interaction between crypto developers and blockchain data. This move aims to enhance the reliability and performance of decentralized applications (dApps).
Initially, the service will only be compatible with the Ethereum mainnet and testnet. However, there are plans to extend to other blockchains over the next year.
By offering this service, Google Cloud positions itself as a competitor to existing RPC providers such as Infura, Alchemy, QuickNode, and Ankr.
According to the announcement, these services allow developers to interact with blockchain networks without the need to run full nodes, streamlining the process of building and maintaining dApps.
The newly launched service features a free tier, offering up to 100 call requests per second and one million requests per day. This includes support for Ethereum Improvement Proposal (EIP)-1474, a set of RPC methods standardized for Ethereum nodes.
With Google Cloud's Blockchain RPC service, developers can access blockchain data and functionalities via API calls, making it easier to integrate this service into Ethereum-based applications.
The service is fully compatible with Ethereum’s JSON-RPC standard, requiring minimal effort for integration into existing dApps.
Addressing RPC Challenges in the Crypto Space
An RPC is a software communication protocol that allows one program to request a service from another program located on a different computer within a network. In the context of blockchain, RPCs are vital for accessing and interacting with the network's data.
However, RPC reliability has been a persistent challenge for crypto developers, especially when even minor delays or errors can significantly impact the performance of dApps.
This is particularly relevant for applications that require the quick clearing and settlement of transactions. Blockchain networks often encounter RPC issues during periods of high network activity or heavy transaction volumes, which can result in slow or failed interactions with the network.
Google Cloud’s RPC service aims to address these challenges by providing a reliable solution.
According to the announcement, this service is designed for a wide range of users, from startups to large enterprises, the service offers a stable infrastructure to support real-time and data-intensive applications.
