Google Cloud Expands into 11 New Blockchains

The cloud division at Google has added support for 11 additional blockchains into its BigQuery data analytics service. With the recent addition of another 11 chains, the total number of supported networks stands at 19.

The move, according to Google, aims to provide a more comprehensive view of the crypto landscape and empower the Web3 community with improved data access and analytics capabilities. This expansion represents a significant step towards enabling data-driven insights for blockchain enthusiasts and businesses alike.

Data driven insights

BigQuery operating under Google Cloud will enable users to conduct SQL-like queries on vast datasets. For instance, they will be able to get answers to: how many NFTs were minted across specific chains, how transaction fees compare across chains or how many active wallets there are on the top EVM chains.

Besides that, Google Cloud provides web3 infrastructure services, such as node hosting and the management of validator operations, for various blockchains on its platform — notably Ethereum, Solana, and Aptos.

This extension of the scope of services builds on Google Cloud's ongoing efforts since 2018 to democratize blockchain data on Bitcoin and Ethereum and enhance the accessibility of crypto-related information.

In 2019, Google added support for six more chains: Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, and Zcash.

Thought-through strategy

According to James Tromans, Head of Web3 Engineering, Google Cloud, the company views the evolution of blockchain technology and decentralized networks today as analogous to the rise of open source and the internet 10 to 15 years ago. Furthermore, Tromans draws parallels between open-source developments that proved integral to the early days of the internet and blockchain today, which is yielding innovation and value creation for consumers and businesses.

In support of its blockchain initiatives, recently Google also introduced its Cloud Startup Program for blockchain companies. The program offers up to $6 million in partnering grants and several hundred thousand more in Google Cloud credits that can be used to access computer processing power.

The collaborators offering up to $1 million in token rewards per company include the teams behind blockchains Aptos, Celo, Near, Solana and Hedera Hashgraph.

Sources:

https://www.theblock.co/post/252542/google-cloud-new-blockchains-bigquery

https://www.bsc.news/post/google-cloud-adds-data-for-11-blockchains-matic-arb-op-trx

https://www.forbes.com/sites/mariagraciasantillanalinares/2023/04/25/google-launches-accelerator-for-blockchain-companies/