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Tech giants Microsoft and Google are covertly supporting the development of cryptocurrency infrastructure.

Investigate the reasons behind tech titans Microsoft and Google discreetly backing the development of blockchain infrastructure, integrations, cloud collaborations, and live on-chain technology tools for cryptocurrencies.

Silent Support for Cryptocurrency Infrastructure by Microsoft and Google Revealed
Silent Support for Cryptocurrency Infrastructure by Microsoft and Google Revealed

Tech giants Microsoft and Google are covertly supporting the development of cryptocurrency infrastructure.

In the rapidly evolving world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, two tech giants - Microsoft and Google - are making significant strides by focusing on the development and provision of cloud infrastructure, rather than directly investing in cryptocurrencies.

**Microsoft’s Blockchain Strategy**

Microsoft, in its strategic approach, has refrained from holding Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies as part of its corporate treasury, much like other major tech firms. This decision was recently endorsed by shareholders, who rejected a proposal to add Bitcoin to Microsoft’s reserve assets[1].

Instead, Microsoft is investing heavily in the infrastructure that underpins blockchain applications. Azure, its cloud platform, hosts a suite of blockchain tools and services, with recent reports suggesting exploration of Ripple’s Interledger Protocol as part of the Azure Blockchain Toolkit[4]. This focus on interoperability and efficient cross-blockchain transactions indicates Microsoft's aim to create a more connected and scalable blockchain ecosystem.

**Google’s Blockchain Strategy**

Google, similarly, does not hold cryptocurrencies in its corporate treasury. The company's strategy is to benefit from high cloud consumption, more data services, and solidification of its position in the developer circles. Google Cloud offers blockchain node hosting and partnerships with blockchain platforms, enabling developers and enterprises to build and deploy decentralized applications[2].

**Comparing the Strategies**

A comparison table reveals that both companies are primarily investing in cloud infrastructure, with Microsoft focusing on cross-chain interoperability and Google emphasising cloud-enabled blockchain applications (see table below).

| Company | Direct Crypto Holdings | Blockchain Infrastructure Efforts | 2022 Cloud Growth | Notable Blockchain Initiatives | |------------|------------------------|-----------------------------------|-------------------|---------------------------------------------| | Microsoft | None | Azure Blockchain Toolkit, Ripple Interledger exploration[4] | 28.6% YoY[3] | Focus on cross-chain interoperability | | Google | None | Blockchain node hosting, developer tools | 25.3% YoY[3] | Emphasis on cloud-enabled blockchain apps |

**Key Trends and Strategic Focus**

- Neither Microsoft nor Google is investing directly in cryptocurrencies as corporate assets[1]. - Both are major investors in cloud infrastructure, which is increasingly becoming the backbone for blockchain applications[2][3]. - Microsoft is exploring advanced blockchain interoperability solutions via Azure, such as integrating Ripple’s Interledger Protocol[4]. - Google’s approach is less publicly detailed in 2022, but its cloud platform remains a key enabler for blockchain developers.

**Conclusion**

In conclusion, Microsoft and Google are shaping the blockchain and cryptocurrency ecosystems primarily by building and offering the cloud infrastructure that decentralized applications require, rather than by holding cryptocurrencies directly. Microsoft is taking a more visible step toward blockchain interoperability, while Google continues to support blockchain development through its cloud services. Both companies’ massive investments in AI and cloud computing indirectly bolster the scalability and accessibility of blockchain technologies, even as they avoid direct exposure to crypto volatility[2][3][4].

[1] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-02-24/microsoft-shareholders-reject-proposal-to-add-bitcoin-to-reserve-assets [2] https://www.forbes.com/sites/andygrewal/2021/03/16/microsoft-aims-to-be-the-leading-cloud-provider-for-blockchain-applications/ [3] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1130732/google-cloud-platform-revenue-worldwide/ [4] https://www.zdnet.com/article/microsoft-azure-blockchain-tools-now-support-ripple-interledger-protocol-for-cross-blockchain-interoperability/

Microsoft and Google are concentrating on technology advancements in the realm of finance, specifically investing extensively in cloud infrastructure that supports the development and application of blockchain technology, rather than directly purchasing cryptocurrencies. Microsoft's approach involves exploring advanced blockchain interoperability solutions through its Azure platform, such as the integration of Ripple's Interledger Protocol, while Google focuses on empowering blockchain developers via its cloud services, although specific details about its 2022 strategy are less public.

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