Google Cloud has launched an Ethereum-compatible Remote Procedure Call service to simplify blockchain development and provide a reliable way to interact with blockchain data.

Announced on Sept. 17, Google Cloud’s latest offering allows decentralized applications to communicate with blockchain networks, starting with support for the Ethereum mainnet and testnets, offering a cost-effective alternative to managing node infrastructure.

An RPC is a software protocol that enables one program to request a service from another program located on a different network. In blockchain, RPCs are crucial for DApps to interact with blockchain data, handling tasks like transaction validation, data retrieval, and node communication.

RPC reliability has been a persistent issue in the blockchain sector. Delays or errors in RPCs can affect the functioning of DApps, which often need to handle transactions and data requests instantaneously. 

High network traffic or sudden spikes in transaction volumes often cause disruptions, as seen in the past with Ethereum’s layer-2 solution ZkSync, and blockchains like Solana and Manta, which have experienced issues during times of peak demand.

Google Cloud’s Blockchain RPC service aims to solve these issues by leveraging its infrastructure for better reliability. 

The service is fully compatible with the JSON-RPC standard, which allows Ethereum developers to integrate it with their dapps with minimal coding by just modifying their RPC endpoints.

Further, it offers a free tier, allowing up to 100 requests per second and 1 million requests per day, supporting real-time and data-heavy applications, catering to both startups seeking an entry point into blockchain technology to large enterprises that need a dependable infrastructure.

Kyle Quintal, Head of Engineering at web3 analytics firm 0xArc, noted that Google Cloud’s RPC service provides “fast response times,” and aligns with the Ethereum Improvement Proposal 1474 standards, which encouraged them to integrate it into their system.

 EIP-1474 defines a set of standardized RPC methods for Ethereum nodes.

The Blockchain RPC service is now available globally in preview and Google Cloud plans to extend support to more blockchains over the coming year.

The new initiative is a part of Google Cloud’s broader push into the blockchain sector. Over the years, the cloud computing giant has collaborated with several blockchain projects and platforms like EigenLayer, Aptos, Flare, and Polygon among others.