Zoho plans rapid global expansion; releases platform model to attract large enterprises

Zoho’s platform-first approach would eliminate common implementation bottlenecks by offering deeply integrated applications, low-code extensibility and AI-powered automation, says Mani Vembu.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

SaaS (Software as a Service) has picked up better in India than it has in the U.S, said Mani Vembu, the new CEO of tech firm Zoho.

The company was currently in the process of replicating its success in India across Europe, West Asia, Asia Pacific and in other geographies, he said while addressing a media conference here on Wednesday.

Zoho, which started as a business software and applications provider for small entrepreneurs, is now shaping itself into a platform player with a focus on large enterprises in global markets.

Mr. Vembu said Zoho’s platform-first approach would eliminate common implementation bottlenecks by offering deeply integrated applications, low-code extensibility and AI-powered automation. “At Zoho, we recognise that enterprises need technology that delivers immediate impact without prolonged deployment cycles,’‘ he added.

An International Data Corporation study commissioned by Zoho disclosed that 75% of Indian enterprises that have adopted SaaS solutions since 2020 have encountered implementation delays, resulting in an average timeline overrun of 57% and cost overrun of 43%. These setbacks have led to an average loss of business opportunities worth ₹5.6 crore, in addition to impacting employee productivity, customer experience and competitive positioning.

Sharing highlights of the study, Sharath Srinivasamurthy, Associate Vice President, IDC India said, “The ability to deploy SaaS solutions efficiently is no longer just an IT priority, it is a business necessity. Long deployment cycles escalate costs, slow down innovation and reduce market responsiveness.’‘

According to the study, to mitigate challenges around SaaS deployments, enterprises are shifting towards a platform-driven approach to SaaS implementation. Some 59% of enterprises recognise automation and DevOps practices are key factors in shortening deployment timelines.

“Businesses cannot afford to be slowed down by complex and fragmented implementations. Zoho’s platform architecture ensures enterprises have the flexibility to implement solutions at scale with speed and minimum disruption,’‘ Mr. Vembu said.

Zoho’s new platform-first approach is expected to eliminate common implementation bottlenecks by offering deeply integrated applications, low-code extensibility, and AI-powered automation. ‘‘This enables businesses to deploy solutions and go live faster, reduce implementation risks, and accelerate their digital transformation efforts,” Mr. Vembu added.

For this study, IDC interviewed 240 Indian enterprises, each employing over 1,000 people and operating across healthcare, retail, manufacturing and financial services industries, that implemented SaaS solutions post 2020.