Google to accept cloud services payments in crypto

Google is set to start accepting payments from its cloud customers in cryptocurrency including Bitcoin.

The payment method is set to go live early next year, as part of the company’s strategic Web3 partnership with Coinbase.

According to a statement from Google, “The new payments experience will benefit Google Cloud’s customers and partners by increasing the optionality of payments for Google Cloud services.”

Google Cloud CEO Thomas Kurian said the focus for Google is to create frictionless experiences for customers, allowing them to “take advantage of our scalability, reliability, security and data services.”

Coinbase is set to migrate its data platform to Google Cloud, which will ultimately allow Web3 developers to access Google Cloud’s blockchain data.

“We're proud Coinbase has chosen Google Cloud as its strategic cloud partner, and we're ready to serve the thriving global Web3 customer and partner ecosystem,” said Kurian.

According to a Coinbase statement, “Google Cloud will be positioned to enable select customers, starting with those in the Web3 ecosystem, to pay for its cloud services via select cryptocurrencies through Coinbase Commerce.

“Second, Web3 developers will have access to Google Cloud's blockchain data through BigQuery- and this offering will be powered by Coinbase Cloud’s Node service. The integration will allow developers to instantly and reliably operate Web3-based systems without the need for expensive and complex infrastructure. Coinbase is also set to build its data platform on Google Cloud, offering Coinbase customers machine-learning driven insights.”

Coinbase has been working closely with Google Cloud for many months in the lead up to the recent announcement.

“Over the course of our conversations with the Google Cloud team, we were impressed by their commitment to security and compliance, their history of supporting open source projects, and the robustness of their compute platform,” said a Coinbase spokesperson.

“We are excited to partner with an industry leader, and hope it will allow developers everywhere to build great products for the web3 ecosystem.”