Google Cloud’s data warehouse, BigQuery, has taken an exciting leap towards blockchain integration by incorporating data from 11 fresh blockchain networks. Many are hailing this move as a progressive step forward – a nod to the credibility of blockchain tech in the broader tech industry dominated by titans like Google. However, it’s worth scrutinizing just how transformative this advancement truly is.
Through BigQuery, enterprise businesses can securely store and query their data. The September 21 announcement extended BigQuery’s offerings by bringing onboard 11 new networks, including Avalanche, Arbitrum, and Polygon among others. Yet, this is not Google’s first dance with blockchain. The tech giant started offering a Bitcoin dataset in 2018 and subsequently added Ethereum that same year, bringing the total to 19 blockchain networks.
Herein lies a fascinating dichotomy. While some herald this inclusion as a validation of these blockchain technologies, skeptics point out that, essentially, Google is simply adding another dataset to its vast collection. This, they argue, underscores blockchain’s status as a data-producing entity rather than a groundbreaking technology in its own right.
Simultaneously, Google announced a new feature designed to simplify blockchain queries with user-defined functions. This marks an effort to increase usability of blockchain data and pledges customer access to precise decimal digits, minimizing computation errors.
This advancement coincides with Google’s growing focus on blockchain as it continues seeking partnerships within the sector. It’s clear that Google sees value in blockchain – the question begs, is this because blockchain represents a promising technology, or simply because it churns out valuable data?
On the other hand, the Bybit exchange communicated its decision to suspend its services in the UK, following new rules from the United Kingdom’s Financial Conduct Authority. The deadline for compliance aligns with Bybit’s final day of service. While some perceive this move as sensible and proactive, others see it as symbolic of the adversarial relationship between cryptocurrency and traditional finance. As we witness the contrast of these events, one can’t help but ponder – will BigQuery’s goal to bridge the divide between blockchain and conventional tech fare better than Bybit’s experience in the financial realm?
Source: Cointelegraph
