Google Cloud Unveils GCUL Blockchain Solution: Here’s All

Google Cloud is taking a crucial leap into the blockchain space with the development of the L1 platform, GCUL. With its Python-based smart contracts and high-performance capabilities, GCUL is set to revolutionize the future of finance.

Google Cloud Launches GCUL

In a LinkedIn post , Rich Widmann, Global Head of Strategy for Web3 at Google Cloud, revealed the technology company’s foray into the blockchain sector. The platform is currently enhancing its Web3 strategy through the introduction of the L1 network, GCUL.

Interestingly, the Layer1 network utilizes Python-based smart contracts, diverging from the industry's reliance on Solidity or Rust. By leveraging Python, the firm aims to simplify development for enterprise engineers familiar with the language, potentially easing the transition for traditional financial institutions to on-chain deployment.

Earlier in March, the firm unveiled its Universal Ledger via a strategic collaboration with the CME Group. The firm announced its plans to pilot tokenization and wholesale payments on the new blockchain ledger. Building on this initiative, Widman announced the Layer 1 chain launch earlier today.

Currently, Google Cloud Universal Ledger is in its private testnet phase. It intends to address the community’s increasing demand for faster and more transparent financial settlement systems.

A Challenge to Stripe and Circle

In his LinkedIn post, Widman placed Google Cloud’s new Layer-1 network as a strong rival to similar solutions developed by Stripe and Circle. He noted,

“Tether won’t use Circle’s blockchain – and Adyen probably won’t use Stripe’s blockchain. But any financial institution can build with GCUL.”

For context, Circle announced the development of an L1solution, Arc, which is slated to debut on the public testnet this fall. Arc offers features designed for stablecoin payments, foreign exchange (FX), and capital markets.

Similarly, Stripe is also working on a base chain, Tempo, focusing on delivering high-performance payment solutions. Compatible with Ethereum's coding language, Tempo is part of Stripe's growing presence in the crypto space. The project is currently in stealth mode and has garnered support from Paradigm.

Positing GCUL against these rivals, Widman posited that it leverages Google's extensive research and cloud-based networking expertise to provide a platform that offers high throughput, reliability, and scalability.