Google Cloud is the latest company to show interest in Bitcoin as it partners with Voltage, an infrastructure provider specializing in the Bitcoin Lightning Network. The $225-billion cloud and data service aims to roll out Bitcoin-based services worldwide while assisting Voltage in expanding its operations.
Through this partnership, Google Cloud will leverage Voltage’s expertise to offer outsourced Bitcoin and Lightning services to companies interested in integrating these technologies. Graham Krizek, CEO of Voltage, emphasized their ability to deploy nodes in specific geographic regions, catering to larger customers globally.
The announcement gained traction on social media, indicating Google’s growing understanding and acceptance of Bitcoin and Lightning. This engagement even caught the attention of former Googlers, highlighting the unexpected impact within the company.
This move also showcases a contrasting approach to Lightning between Google and its competitor, Apple. Apple recently delisted the Lightning-friendly decentralized social media protocol, Damus, from its App Store, demonstrating its aversion to Lightning. In contrast, Google’s open-mindedness suggests a broader trend of corporate interest in exploring Lightning’s potential.
Christopher Calicott, managing director of venture capital firm Tramwell Partners, notes the increasing corporate tinkering with Lightning, especially among payment-related companies. Ignoring Lightning in this context could prove costly. Therefore, Google’s involvement in the crypto space sends a strong signal of its focus and commitment.
Google Cloud, operating under its parent company Alphabet, already boasts a significant user base through its payment platform, Google Pay, available in over 15 countries. The interest shown by such a major player in the crypto space, including Google’s participation in a seed round for Voltage, indicates a growing momentum.
While Apple’s recent actions may raise some concerns, Lightning continues to gain traction among billion-dollar businesses worldwide. Major crypto exchanges like Binance and Coinbase have also pledged to integrate Lightning into their platforms. However, it’s important to observe how this trend develops over time.
Krizek, with years of experience in the Bitcoin space, sees the partnership with Google Cloud as an opportunity to expose organizations to Bitcoin and Lightning possibilities. As interest and demand increase, more services are expected to be rolled out, accompanied by efforts to educate users about Bitcoin.
In conclusion, the partnership between Google Cloud and Voltage highlights the increasing interest and adoption of Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. Google’s embrace of Lightning and its dedication to expanding Bitcoin-related services demonstrate a positive outlook for the future of cryptocurrency. As these developments unfold, it sets the stage for broader advancements in the crypto space.
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