No, you don't necessarily need to deploy your own blockchain to use cross-chain services. Cross-chain services allow different blockchain networks to communicate and share information with each other. These services typically operate as intermediaries or bridges between blockchains, enabling assets and data to be transferred across different networks.
For example, if you want to transfer Bitcoin to Ethereum, a cross-chain service can facilitate this process by locking the Bitcoin on the Bitcoin blockchain and minting an equivalent amount of wrapped Bitcoin (WBTC) on the Ethereum blockchain. This way, you can use the assets on Ethereum without needing to deploy your own blockchain.
In the context of cloud services, platforms like Tencent Cloud offer blockchain as a service (BaaS) solutions that provide cross-chain capabilities. These services simplify the process of developing and deploying blockchain applications by handling the underlying infrastructure and technical complexities. By leveraging cloud-based cross-chain services, you can focus on building your application's unique features without the need to manage your own blockchain network.