Arattai — developed by Zoho — is a homegrown messaging app built to offer privacy, ease-of-use, and India-first hosting. This guide explains features, security, business use cases, comparison with other apps, adoption tips, and common FAQs.
What is Arattai?
Arattai is a secure messaging app created by Zoho Corporation, one of India’s leading software companies. The word “Arattai” means “chat” in Tamil, which perfectly describes its purpose — to give Indians a fast, reliable, and private platform for conversations.
Launched as a Made-in-India alternative to WhatsApp and Signal, Arattai focuses on privacy, strong encryption, India-based data storage, and integration with Zoho’s ecosystem of apps. It’s not just for personal users — Arattai is also designed for schools, businesses, and organizations that need safe communication without worrying about data being hosted abroad.
Key Features of Arattai
Communication Tools
- 1-to-1 chat, group messaging, and broadcast lists.
- High-quality voice and video calls, even on slow networks.
- Media sharing — images, videos, documents, voice notes, and location.
Productivity Features
- Message search, pinned chats, and starred messages for quick access.
- Group admin controls with invite links, member approvals, and muted announcements.
- Offline downloads and scheduled messages for better workflow.
Localization
- Supports multiple Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Marathi, etc.).
- Optimized for low-end devices and poor connectivity areas.
Business Integration
- Planned integration with Zoho’s suite — CRM, Mail, WorkDrive, and more.
- APIs and enterprise-level tools in development.
Security & Privacy
Security is the backbone of Arattai. With increasing concerns about data misuse, Arattai focuses on:
- End-to-end encryption: Ensures no third party can read your messages.
- Data residency in India: All servers are located within the country.
- No ad-tracking: Unlike Meta-owned apps, Arattai does not use ads or sell user data.
- Secure login: Multi-device authentication and biometric/PIN lock available.
Arattai vs WhatsApp vs Signal
| Feature | Arattai | Signal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | India (Zoho) | USA (Meta) | USA (Signal Foundation) |
| Encryption | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Data Hosting | India | Global | Global |
| Ads | No | Yes | No |
| Business Integration | Zoho Apps (planned) | WhatsApp Business | Minimal |
| Target Users | Personal + Enterprise | Global users | Privacy-conscious users |
Business & Enterprise Use Cases
Arattai isn’t just a personal messaging app. Zoho has designed it with business use in mind:
- Customer support: Handle customer chats securely with future CRM integration.
- Internal communication: Teams can coordinate without relying on foreign servers.
- Education: Schools and colleges can use it for classes, notes, and updates.
- Community: NGOs and government bodies can broadcast verified information.
How to Encourage Adoption
- Start with small groups and expand gradually.
- Educate users about security benefits.
- Use it in parallel with existing apps until adoption grows.
- Leverage regional language support for inclusivity.
- Highlight “Made in India” advantage for trust.
Future Roadmap
Zoho plans to expand Arattai’s capabilities:
- Desktop and web app support.
- Encrypted cloud backups.
- Business APIs for enterprises.
- Full integration with Zoho apps.
Challenges & Limitations
- Hard to compete with WhatsApp’s huge user base.
- Feature gap (like payments, status updates, etc.).
- Need to build user trust through audits and transparency.
- Unclear long-term monetization model.
FAQs
Is Arattai free?
Yes, Arattai is completely free for personal use. Business features may be paid later.
Does it have encryption?
Yes, it supports end-to-end encryption for messages and calls.
Where is my data stored?
All Arattai data is stored in India, ensuring compliance with Indian regulations.
Can I use Arattai on desktop?
Desktop/web support is on Zoho’s roadmap.
Is it good for businesses?
Yes, Arattai is designed for both personal and enterprise use, with future Zoho integrations.
