CHENNAI: Zoho, a Software as a Service (SaaS) firm, on Tuesday launched a slew of new projects -- a free-for-all Word Processor called Writer, a note-taking app called Notebook, a custom App Creator for businesses and even a new feature called Gamescope. With these launches, it is set to compete with the likes of Google and Microsoft.
Gartner defines SaaS as software that is owned, delivered and managed remotely by providers. The provider delivers software that is consumed by all contracted customers on a pay-for-use basis or as subscriptions based on use metrics. The launches are part of Zoho’s larger strategy to move towards a shift from operating systems for businesses to becoming an operating system for all work. “Zoho provides the ecosystem to accomplish any kind of work and is now deepening offerings by creating software in diverse spheres,” said founder and CEO Sridhar Vembu.
While Zoho Writer will be an easy shift for those used to Google Docs, implications are positive for small businesses and App Creator. The service will allow creation of custom applications from scratch, without any coding expertise. Gamescope will let employees create and play games with each other.
When asked if Zoho could compete with Google and ilk, Vembu said, “... may be not. But we do offer a free and ad-free product. Users are leery about having their data passed and sifted by algorithms, we provide them complete privacy.”