India’s homegrown messaging app, Arattai, has rapidly ascended to the top of app store charts, outpacing global competitors in a matter of days. Launched by Zoho in 2021, Arattai was initially viewed as an experimental project. However, heightened concerns surrounding data privacy have bolstered its appeal, with users embracing its “spyware-free, made-in-India” stance.
Dramatic Surge in Arattai Sign-Ups
Zoho’s founder, Sridhar Vembu, recently highlighted the astounding growth in Arattai’s user base. He reported a 100-fold increase in application traffic within just three days, with daily sign-ups soaring from 3,000 to an impressive 350,000. Vembu indicated that the company is in a race to enhance its infrastructure to accommodate potential further surges, stating, “That is how exponentials work.” The team is diligently working to resolve emerging issues while preparing for a significant November release.
Calls for Zoho to Go Public
As Arattai’s popularity surged, discussions intensified regarding Zoho’s potential listing on the Indian stock exchange. Investor Venkatesh Alla emphasized the importance of offering Indian consumers the opportunity to invest in a native tech company. In response, Vembu expressed concerns over how public pressures might have hindered innovation, claiming, “Arattai would very likely not have been built by a public company facing quarter-to-quarter financial pressure.” He underscored the importance of long-term research and development, which can often clash with the demands of the public market.
The Frugal Culture of Zoho
Vembu lauded Zoho’s frugal culture, suggesting it resembles the operational style of ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation). He humorously remarked that conveying this mindset might be challenging on Wall Street or Dalal Street, where short-term profits often take precedence. “We essentially ignore short-term profits as long as we don’t lose money,” he explained, illustrating his belief in a sustainable business model that prioritizes long-term growth over immediate financial returns.
Zoho’s Broader Vision and R&D Initiatives
Vembu characterized Zoho as more than just a software company; he compared it to an industrial research lab that is self-sustaining. The company is engaged in various ambitious R&D initiatives, including developments in compilers, databases, operating systems, security, hardware, and robotics. This extensive investment in research showcases Zoho’s commitment to advancing technology, even for projects that may not yield immediate profitability.
Arattai’s Unique Features and Privacy Focus
Arattai distinguishes itself with a wide range of essential features, including chats, calls, voice notes, media sharing, and even Android TV support. Its primary advantage lies in its commitment to user privacy, promising no monetization of user data and prioritizing user control. Notably, end-to-end encryption for calls is already operational, with chat encryption currently under development to enhance security further.
Addressing User Challenges and Future Prospects
The rapid growth experienced by Arattai has also led to some user challenges, including delays in OTP delivery and synchronization issues. The company has committed to addressing these problems promptly. Vembu reassured users that fixes are on the way, as the organization continues to boost its infrastructure while refining its code. As Arattai looks to transform downloads into regular usage, the real test lies in building trust and filling feature gaps. While it currently enjoys a moment of prominence, only time will tell if it evolves into a sustained alternative in the messaging app landscape or remains a fleeting trend.
