Flexible RPC Nodes of 50+ Blockchains: Understanding GetBlock’s Mission
In 2023, the “one size fits all” approach of Web3 infrastructure is no more. Here’s how blockchain node providers are trying to make their propositions flexible in a Lego-like way
Blockchain node providers gained traction in 2020-2021 as they streamlined the development of decentralized applications. Crypto developers started using private RPC nodes maintained by providers instead of running their own blockchain infrastructure.
Nowadays, with the acceleration of competition in Web3, adaptability has become the hottest trend in the infrastructure segment.
Promises and challenges of custom solutions in crypto
Initially, the vast majority of decentralized applications (dApps) resembled each other. They leveraged the same blockchains (usually Ethereum, Tron, or BNB Chain), handled the same (actually not that big) traffic, and focused on standardized scope of use cases.
Therefore, all these dApps needed more or less similar solutions: fast, affordable and easy to maintain. As such, blockchain RPC providers rolled out the toolkit of ready-made node endpoints to all users.
The situation has changed in recent years. With the maturation of the segment as a whole, developers started offering more and more sophisticated and eccentric solutions in DeFi, NFT and trading. Many of them prioritized the ability to access different heterogeneous blockchains without leaving behind a single interface: cross-chain DEXs, or at least applications that support different EVM ecosystem networks.
Therefore, the crypto scene began to shift to customizable infrastructure solutions. Today it is crucial to closely monitor the needs of the customer and to tailor the service accordingly. Also, Web3 infrastructure builders should be ready to deliver new solutions on demand.
Making the infrastructure of blockchain nodes flexible: Case of GetBlock
GetBlock was one of the RPC node providers that pioneered the new approach. It was launched in the fourth quarter of 2019 as one of the first mainstream providers of RPC nodes for decentralized applications.
GetBlock offers its customers shared and dedicated nodes; i.e. it allows clients to share computational resources with peers or use isolated servers. Today it connects hundreds of dApps to more than 50 blockchains through WebSockets, REST API and JSON RPC interfaces. Both tetsnets and mainnets are available to GetBlock customers.
GetBlock also offers individual solutions for companies that go beyond standard packages. This offering is designed for dApps with special needs, including 99.99% uptime guaranteed by SLA, personalized support via preferred messenger (e.g. Slack), customized dashboards and alerts.
For enterprise customers, GetBlock can implement any protocol on demand and develop a load balancing infrastructure for more load balancing requirements.
GetBlock offers some rare blockchains that are not available to customers of major competitors. Besides programmable blockchains, the service works with the networks that do not support smart contracts by default – Dogecoin, Litecoin etc. This feature is paramount for the products targeting cross-chain and multi-chain interactions.
Holistic approach to Web3 infrastructure
Powerful solutions are available for both shared and dedicated node users. GetBlock has free packages with an impressive number of requests per second (RPS): customers can claim 40,000 requests daily without paying any fees. With its “pay-per-use” model, GetBlock’s pricing becomes resource-efficient for customers with different budgets.
The special nodes are fully customizable: each user can set up their own endpoint to the special node through their account in a Lego-like fashion. He or she only has to choose the name of the network, the type of interface and choose whether he or she needs a mainnet or a testnet.
GetBlock cares about privacy-focused customers. It added MetaMask authorization so that the customers can even prevent sharing email with the service. It also does not collect any sensitive personal data. Both fiat and crypto payments are accepted on paid plans.
Last but not least, GetBlock offers an industry-leading customer support service 24/7, according to reviews from its longtime customers found on sources like SourceForge. CS employees are always ready to create innovative solutions together with customers. High-quality customer support is another pillar of flexibility of GetBlock’s services.
As of Q2 2023, GetBlock is running a multi-level affiliate program. Any social media user, blogger or crypto enthusiast can earn rewards for sharing a link to GetBlock, even if they don’t use any blockchain nodes themselves. The program is ready to bring new users to the segment of customizable RPC nodes.