Arattai, the instant messaging app developed by Zoho, has disrupted the instant messaging app category. Originally launched quietly in 2021, Arattai a Tamil word for “casual chat”—is now grabbing national attention. It offers encrypted messaging, file sharing, audio-video calls, and even Android TV integration. But its real differentiator is Zoho’s public stand on privacy: no data monetisation, no backdoors.
However, the Co-founder of Zoho, Sridhar Vembu, commented on the success of Arattai. Sridhar Vembu said that Arattai, may look simple from the outside but is actually built on two decades of in-house engineering and research. Sharing his thoughts on X, Vembu spoke about the deep technological foundation behind the app and how Zoho’s years of work on its core frameworks have shaped the product.
Emphasis on Research and Development
In a post on ‘X’, Sridhar said, “Arattai is on the surface a simple product but it has a lot of depth inside.” He explained that the app runs on Zoho’s own messaging and audio-video framework, which has been evolving for about 15 years. This same system, he added, is responsible for the quick connections and clear calls that Zoho users experience across its various platforms.
Another thing emphasised by Sridhar Vembu in his post is Zoho’s commitment to R&D. Moreover, he mentioned that he himself has moved full-time into research and development, promising that users will see many more innovations from Zoho in the coming years. “Our staying power comes from the depth of all the R&D we do,” he said.
Sridhar Vembu has gone a step further to say Zoho is not just a software company but more like a research lab that funds itself. He listed projects across fields like chip design, compilers, operating systems, robotics, AI, and even security. Many of these, he admitted, are not expected to bring in quick returns but are vital for long-term capability building.
Sridhar’s Motivational Philosophy for Arattai team?
Sridhar Vembu also shared a message he gave to the Arattai team, appreciating their patience and commitment through years of work without expecting instant success. Drawing a philosophical parallel, he said that being a dedicated engineer is like being a Rishi, one who remains focused and unaffected by external noise. “Allow neither praise nor criticism nor fame to distract you, resolutely stay the course,” he told the team.
