Google Cloud Expands BigQuery with 11 New Blockchain Networks

BigQuery's Blockchain Integration Flourishes

Google Cloud's BigQuery service has made a significant stride by introducing 11 additional blockchain networks to its data warehouse, as detailed in a September 21 blog post. These new networks encompass Avalanche, Arbitrum, Cronos, Ethereum's Görli testnet, Fantom, Near, Optimism, Polkadot, Polygon's mainnet, Polygon's Mumbai testnet, and Tron.

Unlocking Blockchain Data Insights

BigQuery serves as Google's robust data warehouse service, offering enterprises the capability to store and query data effectively. It also features an array of public datasets that users can query, including Google Trends, American Community Service demographic data, and Google Analytics, among others.

Expanding Blockchain Coverage

Google initially ventured into the realm of blockchain data in 2018 when it introduced a Bitcoin dataset as part of its service. Later that same year, Ethereum joined the ranks. In February 2019, Google expanded its blockchain coverage further by adding Bitcoin Cash, Dash, Dogecoin, Ethereum Classic, Litecoin, and Zcash to its repertoire. The latest announcement on September 21 extends BigQuery's coverage to a total of 19 blockchain networks.

Enhancing Blockchain Query Precision

Alongside the integration of these new blockchains, Google has implemented a new feature designed to simplify blockchain queries. By introducing user-defined functions, the team has provided methods to manage the often-lengthy decimal results prevalent in blockchain data. Google has claimed that these new functions will "offer customers access to extended decimal digits for their blockchain data and minimize rounding errors in calculations."

Google Cloud's Growing Interest in Blockchain

In 2023, Google Cloud has demonstrated an escalating interest in blockchain technology. On July 7, it formed a partnership with Voltage, a Lightning Network infrastructure provider. Additionally, on September 14, Google Cloud collaborated with Web3 startup Orderly Network to support off-chain components for decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.