Zoho launches its own POS devices in India, blending Swadeshi ideals with modern innovation. Sridhar Vembu teases Arattai-Zoho Pay integration to power India’s digital business ecosystem.
When you think of Indian tech brands that have managed to stay true to their roots while going global, Zoho is probably one of the first names that comes to mind. And now, the Chennai-based software giant has done something that feels both bold and natural—it’s stepped into hardware, launching its own Point of Sale (POS) devices, fully designed and manufactured in India.
This move, which aligns beautifully with India’s ongoing Swadeshi and “Make in India” momentum, isn’t just another product launch. It’s a statement—one that says Indian companies don’t need to rely on imported tech anymore. They can build their own, and they can do it well.
During the announcement, Zoho founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu—who’s practically the face of India’s tech minimalism—spoke with his trademark clarity about why this matters. “Technology should serve local businesses first,” he said. “We have the brains, the talent, and the vision right here.”
And, just as interestingly, he hinted that Zoho’s messaging app Arattai will soon integrate with Zoho Pay, making business payments as simple as sending a text.
The Story Behind Zoho’s Big Step
For context, Zoho isn’t new to ambitious ideas. The company has been quietly building an empire of over 50 integrated business apps, used by more than 100 million users worldwide. From CRM and accounting to HR and communication, Zoho has been offering affordable, reliable software to businesses that can’t—or don’t want to—depend on foreign tech ecosystems.
But this new POS hardware launch takes that vision further. These devices, entirely made in India, are designed for local businesses—especially small retailers, kirana stores, and restaurants—that need digital billing and payment tools but can’t afford imported systems.
If you’ve ever been inside a local shop and seen the owner juggling UPI payments, manual ledgers, and clunky calculators, you’ll instantly see where Zoho’s solution fits in.
What Makes These POS Devices Different
Zoho’s new POS devices aren’t just another gadget on the counter—they’re more like a bridge between offline and online business worlds.
They come with features like:
- Built-in Zoho Books and Zoho Inventory integration.
- Cloud syncing for real-time sales tracking.
- Offline functionality, because patchy internet is still a thing in India.
- And full Zoho Pay compatibility for instant digital transactions.
The hardware itself feels sturdy and user-friendly, and the interface is clean—exactly what you’d expect from Zoho’s design language. But the real kicker? It’s all made in India, from concept to production. No white-labeled imports, no hidden overseas supply chain.
That’s a big deal in a market dominated by imported POS systems from players like Square, Clover, and Shopify.
The “Swadeshi” Angle
It’s impossible to talk about this launch without touching on the Swadeshi movement—India’s ongoing effort to boost homegrown production and reduce dependency on foreign goods.
Vembu has always been a firm believer in this ideology. He’s not just running a company from a rural village in Tamil Nadu for symbolism—it’s a real, working model of rural tech innovation. His idea is simple: “If you want to change India’s future, don’t just build in cities. Build from villages.”
Zoho’s POS devices, designed and built entirely on Indian soil, are a perfect example of that philosophy in action.
Arattai + Zoho Pay: A Game-Changer in the Making
Here’s the part that’s got everyone buzzing: the integration between Arattai and Zoho Pay.
For those who don’t know, Arattai is Zoho’s very own messaging app—a privacy-friendly alternative to WhatsApp, built for India. It’s already being used by teams for internal communication, but the plan to link it with Zoho Pay could take things to another level.
Imagine this: you’re chatting with a client or vendor on Arattai, and right there in the chat window, you can send payments, share invoices, or receive confirmation receipts—no switching apps, no confusion.
That’s not just convenient—it’s a step toward creating an all-in-one Indian business ecosystem, something no foreign app has truly managed to pull off yet.
Competing on a Global Stage
Let’s be honest—it’s not easy to compete with giants like Square or Shopify, who have deep pockets and global reach. But Zoho’s strategy is clever. Instead of fighting them on their turf, it’s doubling down on India’s small business segment, a market with millions of untapped users.
India has over 13 million retail outlets, most of which still rely on cash or semi-digital setups. Zoho’s locally produced, affordable, and easy-to-integrate POS devices are tailor-made for them.
And the numbers back this up: India’s digital payment industry is expected to cross $3 trillion by 2030. If Zoho captures even a fraction of that, it could redefine what “Made in India” means for tech.
Why It Matters (Beyond Business)
Here’s the thing—this launch isn’t just about selling hardware. It’s about setting an example.
For decades, Indian companies have excelled in software outsourcing and IT services but lagged behind in building complete, end-to-end products. Zoho’s POS line represents a mindset shift—from being service providers to being product innovators.
It’s also about economic impact. The company’s Tenkasi facility in Tamil Nadu, where these devices are being built, employs local youth and engineers, offering them opportunities without forcing them to migrate to big cities.
That’s the kind of change that ripples through communities.
Privacy Still Comes First
One of the things people genuinely respect about Zoho is its no-ad, no-tracking, no-data-selling stance. In a world where most free apps secretly profit from user data, Zoho has always walked the walk on privacy.
These new POS devices are no different. All data stays in India, on Zoho’s secure servers, under strict encryption. So, while convenience grows, your control over information doesn’t shrink.
The Market’s Take
Analysts are already calling this launch “a timely move.” India’s retail POS market is expected to grow by 13% annually, and with the government encouraging local tech manufacturing, Zoho’s timing couldn’t be better.
Even startups are cheering. One founder from Chennai commented, “Zoho is showing us what’s possible when you think long-term and play local.”
And he’s right. There’s something refreshingly honest about a company that scales globally without ever abandoning its roots.
What’s Next for Zoho
Zoho’s hardware ambitions don’t stop here. The company plans to roll out portable POS machines, barcode-enabled billing systems, and even IoT-based inventory management tools soon.
Vembu hinted that these devices could eventually reach other markets in Asia and Africa—places that, like India, need affordable digital tools built for local realities, not Silicon Valley assumptions.
If that happens, we might just be witnessing the birth of India’s first truly global hardware-software tech ecosystem.
FAQs
1. What makes Zoho’s POS devices special?
They’re entirely made in India, integrated with Zoho’s software suite, and designed for local business needs.
2. Can small shops afford them?
Yes, that’s the idea. Zoho is focusing on affordability and ease of use for small to mid-sized retailers.
3. What’s the deal with Arattai and Zoho Pay?
It’s an upcoming integration that will allow users to make payments directly from chat conversations.
4. Is my data safe on Zoho devices?
Absolutely. Zoho stores all user data on its Indian servers and never sells or shares it.
5. When will these devices hit the market?
Zoho has started phased rollouts and is expected to scale availability nationwide soon.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one thing Zoho has proven time and again, it’s that you don’t need to follow Silicon Valley’s playbook to build great tech. You can do it from a small Indian town, powered by local talent and a belief in independence.
The launch of these Swadeshi POS devices isn’t just a milestone for Zoho—it’s a proud moment for Indian entrepreneurship itself. And with Arattai-Zoho Pay integration on the horizon, it’s clear the company is not just keeping pace with global innovation—it’s setting its own rhythm.
In Sridhar Vembu’s words, “We’re just getting started.”
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