Is Zoho Making WhatsApp Rival Arattai Open Like UPI?
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Synopsis
Zoho's Arattai is set to become an interoperable messaging platform similar to UPI, with Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu emphasizing the company's commitment to openness and security. Recent download numbers have surged by 185 times, indicating a growing demand for this privacy-focused app. Learn more about Arattai's rapid ascent and its future plans.
Key Takeaways
- Arattai aims to be an open messaging platform.
- It has experienced a 185x surge in downloads.
- All user data is securely stored in India.
- New features are set to launch ahead of schedule.
- Arattai prioritizes user privacy with end-to-end encryption.
New Delhi, Sep 30 (NationPress) Zoho Corporation is set to transform its indigenous messaging application Arattai into an interoperable platform akin to UPI and email, as it experiences an extraordinary rise in downloads, stated Sridhar Vembu, Chief Scientist and Co-founder, on Tuesday.
Vembu emphasized that the company aims for Arattai to avoid becoming a closed ecosystem like WhatsApp, advocating for an open network that functions smoothly across various platforms.
“I hold a great admiration for UPI and truly respect the efforts of its team,” Vembu shared on X, reiterating that Zoho does not aim for monopoly.
His vision is to maintain Arattai as an open, secure, and collaborative tool, similar to email and UPI.
This announcement comes as Arattai experiences remarkable growth. According to data from Sensor Tower, downloads in India surged by 185 times week-over-week from September 21 to 27, with daily active users increasing 40 times during the same timeframe.
The uptick began after government officials promoted the app, propelling it to the forefront of India's app rankings.
Since September 25, Arattai has been averaging approximately 100,000 downloads per day, a significant rise from just 300 previously.
Vembu also addressed concerns regarding Zoho's operations, affirming that all products, including Arattai, are developed in India.
He mentioned that user data is fully stored within the country at facilities in Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, with a new site planned for Odisha.
Vembu clarified that Zoho does not utilize public cloud services such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud; instead, it operates on its own hardware and software built on open-source foundations.
The rapid growth has presented technical hurdles, with daily sign-ups escalating from 3,000 to 350,000 within just three days, prompting Zoho to urgently expand its infrastructure.
Vembu indicated that the company is gearing up for a potential additional 100x surge as new features and campaigns, initially scheduled for November, are launched ahead of time.
Launched in 2021, Arattai is marketed as a privacy-first messaging app, ensuring that all Indian user data is stored domestically.
Voice and video calls are currently end-to-end encrypted, with regular messages set to receive encryption in future updates.
Point of View
Zoho's commitment to keeping Arattai open and secure aligns with the growing demand for privacy in digital communication. As the app's popularity soars, it reflects a shift towards homegrown solutions that prioritize user data protection. This approach not only supports local innovation but also positions India as a player in the global tech landscape.
NationPress
30/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Arattai?
Arattai is a messaging app developed by Zoho Corporation, focusing on interoperability and user privacy, with all data stored in India.
How has Arattai's download rate changed recently?
Arattai saw a remarkable increase in downloads, with a surge of 185 times week-over-week, particularly after government promotion.
Is user data secure in Arattai?
Yes, all user data is stored within India in secure facilities, ensuring compliance with local data protection regulations.
What features does Arattai offer?
Arattai currently offers voice and video calls with end-to-end encryption, with plans to enhance message encryption in future updates.
How is Zoho managing the rapid growth of Arattai?
Zoho is expanding its infrastructure to accommodate the surge in daily sign-ups, which increased from 3,000 to 350,000 in just three days.
