Arattai, the new Made-in-India messaging app, has recently reached an impressive 7.5 million downloads. This surge comes on the heels of a broader movement encouraging the adoption of indigenous technology, a push that has resonated across various sectors of the Indian economy.
The app has become somewhat of a sensation, spreading virally across social media platforms. In an interesting twist, the very app that Arattai seems to be challenging, WhatsApp, has become a vehicle for its promotion. Invitations and sign-ups have been widely shared within numerous WhatsApp groups, adding to Arattai's rapid growth and popularity.
Engineering Depth Behind Simplicity
Sridhar Vembu, the founder of Zoho, highlights the sophisticated engineering that underpins Arattai's seemingly simple interface. The app operates on homegrown frameworks that have been developed within Zoho’s network, including a robust messaging and audio-visual framework. This technology has been a cornerstone of Zoho's real-time capabilities, enabling smooth and efficient communication for its users.
Arattai’s success story is not just about numbers but also about a cultural shift towards embracing and supporting homegrown innovations. This sentiment has been echoed by ministers, founders, and CEOs who are advocating for increased reliance on domestic products and technologies. Their calls for a move towards 'Swadeshi' products have found an audience in an increasingly nationalistic consumer base.
The app’s growth trajectory, however, is about more than just the nationalistic appeal. Arattai offers an experience that is being compared favorably with leading global messaging platforms. It provides users a unique blend of functionality and simplicity, wrapped with the advantage of being a home-grown solution.
Such developments in the digital arena are crucial for India's technological landscape, positioning it as a formidable player on the global stage. As Arattai continues to gain ground, it remains to be seen how it will adapt and grow in a highly competitive market.
