Just another collaboration? Google Cloud partners with LayerZero

Author: Chase Devens; Source: Messari.io; Compiled by: DeFi.io Community

Google Cloud x LayerZero

LayerZero and Google Cloud announced the integration of Google Cloud as a new "oracle" option for building applications on LayerZero. As a refresher, the Oracle role in LayerZero is responsible for verifying that messages in cross-chain message requests have been processed by the source chain.

! [layerzero] (https://img-cdn.gateio.im/resized-social/moments-40baef27dd-062e541872-dd1a6f-6d2ef1)

Applications built on LayerZero can now choose from a list of four different Oracle options, including Google Cloud, Chainlink, Polyhedra's zkLightClient, and Oracles managed by Polygon and Sequoia.

Unlike previously added LayerZero-supported oracle providers, Google Cloud will replace Polygon/Sequoia-managed oracles as the default configuration for applications looking to use LayerZero as a plug-and-play cross-chain solution. This is the first time LayerZero has changed its default configuration since its launch in March 2022. While Google Cloud will now be the de facto verification standard for LayerZero, the protocol still allows applications to take a modular approach, choosing other vendors or combining multiple configurations for more verification guarantees.

Influence

A few months ago, we reported on why LayerZero's Series B investors valued the network at a whopping $3 billion, on par with many mature L1 networks. Specifically, we detail how LayerZero's architecture enables LayerZero Labs to outsource much of the infrastructure development work and focus on onboarding new applications and establishing strategic partnerships. The partnership with Google Cloud is the latest example of this strategy continuing to work in real time.

LayerZero has now become one of the most mature cross-chain solutions on the market. The protocol is integrated with 34 networks, and new applications are added every week. Through the Immunifi platform, it also has the largest bug bounty program in cryptocurrency ($15 million). Given the resources at its disposal, Google Cloud should now also provide stronger security standards for cross-chain information on the network.

Looking ahead, the next guess on the LayerZero roadmap is twofold. First, Google Cloud is only months away from joining the Solana ecosystem as a validator and core infrastructure provider. LayerZero may leverage its new partnership to create a reliable connection between the Ethereum and Solana networks, something that has been lacking in the cryptocurrency space due to the complexity of development. Secondly, there has been increasing speculation recently surrounding the possible launch of the LayerZero token. Airdrop farmers continue to fuel network activity in anticipation of usage-based airdrops, while derivatives platforms like Hyperliquid have created ways to speculate on the token even before its launch. The partnership with Google Cloud may be the last infrastructure buildout before the highly anticipated coin’s launch.