Arattai: Zoho's Homegrown Messaging App Redefining Communication

Zoho’s messaging app Arattai, launched in 2021, combines simplicity with advanced engineering, backed by over 15 years of R&D. Co-founder Sridhar Vembu highlighted its proprietary frameworks for performance, scalability, and security. Competing with WhatsApp, Arattai offers standout features like video meetings, personal cloud storage, and a no-ads policy, focusing on productivity and privacy. As a homegrown alternative, it reflects Zoho’s commitment to indigenous innovation and India's growing tech capabilities.

Zoho co-founder and Chief Scientist Sridhar Vembu recently shared insights into the technological prowess behind Arattai, the company’s indigenously developed messaging and calling app. In his latest update, Vembu underscored the extensive research and development that powers the app, positioning it as a standout contender in the crowded messaging landscape.

A Simple App Built on Complex Engineering

On October 5, 2025, Vembu took to X (formerly Twitter) to describe Arattai as deceptively simple in design but deeply rooted in sophisticated engineering. He highlighted the proprietary frameworks developed by Zoho, which ensure the app’s seamless performance, scalability, and security.

Pioneering Real-Time Communication

At the core of Arattai’s functionality is Zoho’s custom-built real-time messaging and audio-visual framework. Vembu revealed that this system has undergone over 15 years of refinement, enabling crystal-clear calls and instant connections. This advanced framework ensures that users can rely on Arattai for high-quality communication, whether for personal chats or professional meetings.

Additionally, Zoho’s distributed computing framework, perfected over 20 years, plays a pivotal role in managing heavy workloads across servers while maintaining fault tolerance and data security. This robust infrastructure not only powers Arattai but also supports Zoho’s extensive suite of cloud-based products.

“Our strength lies in the depth of our R&D,” Vembu stated, emphasizing his full-time focus on innovation. He hinted at exciting future developments from Zoho’s labs, reinforcing the company’s commitment to technological advancement.

Acknowledging the Team’s Dedication

Vembu also commended the perseverance of the Arattai team, who have dedicated over five years to the app’s development. Drawing a philosophical parallel, he likened the discipline of engineering to spiritual practice, urging his team to stay focused despite external validation or criticism. “Being a dedicated engineer is like being a Rishi,” he remarked, reflecting his belief in the transformative power of focused effort.

Arattai: India’s Answer to WhatsApp

Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, was officially launched in 2021 as a privacy-focused alternative to popular messaging apps. Built entirely on Zoho’s indigenous technology stack, the app has quickly risen to prominence, recently topping India’s app charts.

However, it faces stiff competition from WhatsApp, which boasts over 500 million users in India and is deeply embedded in everyday life, from personal conversations to commerce and even government services.

What Sets Arattai Apart?

Arattai is positioning itself as a productivity-focused and privacy-conscious alternative to WhatsApp. Some of its standout features include:

• Meetings Integration: Users can host, join, or schedule video conferences directly within the app, blending the functionality of tools like Google Meet and Zoom into a streamlined chat interface.

  
  

• Pocket: A built-in personal cloud storage feature allows users to save messages, media, and notes without the cumbersome workaround of messaging themselves—a common practice on WhatsApp.

  
  

• Mentions: Inspired by Slack, this feature helps users track messages where they’ve been tagged, making it easier to manage conversations.

In addition to these features, Arattai maintains a strict no-ads policy and prioritizes user privacy. Unlike WhatsApp, which integrates with Meta’s advertising ecosystem, Arattai does not monetize user data. Furthermore, the app has avoided incorporating intrusive AI tools, offering a distraction-free experience tailored to user needs.

A Homegrown Vision for the Future

Arattai’s rapid ascent in the Indian app market reflects Zoho’s unwavering commitment to building world-class software rooted in indigenous technology. Vembu’s recent remarks reaffirm this vision, showcasing the company’s dedication to creating deeply integrated solutions that prioritize user privacy, productivity, and innovation.

As Arattai continues to evolve, it offers a compelling alternative for users seeking a messaging app that blends simplicity with technological sophistication. With Zoho’s extensive R&D fueling its growth, Arattai is well-positioned to carve out a unique space in the messaging app ecosystem while championing India’s potential in the global tech arena.