Arattai App – Zoho’s Answer to WhatsApp in India
Arattai, which means “chat” in Tamil, is Zoho Corporation’s homegrown instant messaging app designed as an Indian alternative to WhatsApp. It was soft-launched in early 2021 and quickly gained attention when WhatsApp announced updates to its privacy policy, which raised user concerns about data sharing.
Key Features of Arattai
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Indian-Made App: Developed by Zoho, one of India’s largest SaaS companies.
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Privacy Focused: Promises strong data security and user privacy, a key concern for messaging users.
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Messaging Options: Supports individual chats, group chats, media sharing, and voice/video calls.
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User-Friendly Interface: Simple design, similar to WhatsApp, making it easy for users to adopt.
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Cross-Platform Availability: Available on both Android and iOS devices.
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Local Identity: Branded as a “Made in India” app, appealing to users looking for alternatives to foreign platforms.
Why Arattai Matters
Zoho entered the messaging space at a time when Indians were increasingly questioning the privacy practices of global apps. With its strong reputation in enterprise software and focus on privacy, Zoho positioned Arattai as a trustworthy, secure alternative for both personal and business communication.
Although still competing with giants like WhatsApp and Telegram, Arattai represents India’s effort to build its own tech ecosystem with global potential.