हिंदी में पढ़ने के लिए मेनू बार से हिंदी भाषा चयन करें।
Zoho’s messaging and calling app Arattai is suddenly back in the limelight after witnessing a massive surge in usage. The company reported a 100x increase in user traffic, forcing it to scale up its infrastructure to handle the demand. The app also climbed to the top spot in Apple’s “Social Networking” category in India, gaining traction after endorsements from government ministers and the broader “Made in India” push.
About the Company
Zoho Corporation, headquartered in Chennai, is one of India’s largest software companies, best known for its cloud-based business and productivity tools. With over two decades of experience, Zoho offers a wide range of enterprise applications.
Arattai, launched in January 2021, was developed as a homegrown alternative to foreign chat platforms. Interestingly, the name Arattai means “conversation” in Tamil.
Why Trending Now?
- Government Push for Swadeshi Products
Several ministers, including Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, publicly encouraged citizens to adopt Arattai. IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also announced a switch to Zoho platforms as part of the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. - Privacy Concerns with Foreign Apps
In recent years, debates around WhatsApp’s data-sharing policies have raised concerns among Indian users. Against this backdrop, Arattai is being positioned as a “Made in India” alternative. - Media Buzz and App Store Ranking
News of Arattai topping app store charts created momentum, attracting new users eager to try the homegrown app. - Infrastructure Expansion
Zoho confirmed it is investing in servers and bandwidth to ensure smoother service as user demand spikes.
Features: How Does It Compare with WhatsApp?
Messaging and Media Sharing
Arattai allows users to send text messages, photos, videos, and documents. This is on par with WhatsApp’s basic messaging functions.
Voice and Video Calls
The app supports audio and video calls. Zoho claims that these calls are encrypted end-to-end, providing a secure experience similar to WhatsApp.
End-to-End Encryption
This is where a major difference lies. WhatsApp encrypts all chats by default, but in Arattai, only the “Secret Chat” option currently offers full end-to-end encryption. Regular chats do not yet have the same level of protection.
Group and Community Features
Group chats are available in Arattai, but advanced features like large community groups and broadcast channels, which WhatsApp and Telegram already provide, are still under development.
Privacy and Data Storage
Zoho emphasizes minimal third-party data sharing and confirms that user data is stored in India. This approach could appeal to users concerned about WhatsApp’s integration with Meta’s global data ecosystem.
Business Integration
A unique advantage of Arattai is its integration with Zoho’s workplace suite. Professionals can connect and use Arattai within office tools, offering a business-friendly edge that WhatsApp lacks.
Verdict: Arattai offers most of the standard messaging features, but still lags behind WhatsApp and Telegram in encryption and advanced group functions.
Company’s Statement
Arattai’s website highlights its focus on privacy and security:
- “Calls are encrypted end-to-end.”
- Data stored on Zoho servers is encrypted.
- End-to-end encryption for all chats is a “priority” and currently under development.
Zoho maintains that user safety is central and denies sharing data beyond necessary service providers (like SMS OTP systems).
Expert Opinions
- Security Concerns: Experts note that without full-scale end-to-end encryption, messages could potentially be accessed by the company or intermediaries.
- Advice to Users: Cybersecurity professionals recommend caution—sensitive communications should be limited until Arattai rolls out full E2E encryption.
- Competitive Edge: Some analysts believe that if Zoho addresses encryption gaps, Arattai could become a serious challenger to WhatsApp in India.
Additional Information
- Arattai integrates with Zoho’s workplace suite, making it attractive for business users.
- The app is designed to align with India’s data localization norms, which require sensitive data to be stored within the country.
- Its sudden rise shows a growing appetite for homegrown digital platforms amid concerns about foreign tech dominance.
Outcome
Arattai is not a new app—it was launched in 2021—but its resurgence reflects the rising demand for secure, indigenous digital solutions. Backed by government support, growing public interest, and Zoho’s strong reputation, the app is gaining traction.
However, until full end-to-end encryption is implemented across all chats, privacy concerns remain a sticking point. Whether Arattai can convert this buzz into long-term adoption will depend on how quickly Zoho can strengthen its security framework and match the standards set by global players.
