Zoho, a self-funded software-as-a-service (SaaS) company known for its innovative business solutions, has launched a new seller-side application called Vikra. This app is designed to operate on the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform, a government-backed initiative aimed at transforming India’s e-commerce landscape.
The announcement of Vikra took place on September 25 during Zoho’s annual technology conference. By introducing this app, Zoho demonstrates its dedication to supporting small and medium-sized businesses in setting up and managing their online stores more effectively.
The ONDC initiative seeks to democratize e-commerce by providing a more level playing field for smaller sellers, helping them compete against dominant players like Amazon and Flipkart. The goal is to foster a more inclusive and competitive digital marketplace in India, enabling a broader range of sellers to reach consumers without relying on large e-commerce platforms. This move aligns with the government’s vision of increasing e-commerce penetration in the country, making it more accessible for various businesses.
Zoho’s newly launched app, Vikra, is designed to help sellers easily connect with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), an initiative to make e-commerce more accessible and competitive. With Vikra, sellers can manage all aspects of their online business, from listing products and fulfilling orders to handling customer disputes and shipping. The app also provides detailed analytics, enabling sellers to make informed decisions based on real-time data.
Vikra connects sellers to major buyer-side platforms like Paytm, Ola, and Snapdeal, giving them wider visibility and access to more customers. For businesses already using Zoho’s suite of products, such as Zoho Books, Inventory, and Commerce, Vikra integrates seamlessly for a unified experience. To encourage early adoption, Zoho is offering an introductory fee of just 1 percent per transaction on the platform.
The Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) is a government-backed initiative aimed at democratizing e-commerce in India by reducing the dominance of large players like Amazon and Flipkart. Launched 18 months ago, the platform has attracted several modern companies such as Paytm, PhonePe, Meesho, and Shiprocket, who are now leveraging its open network to grow their businesses.
ONDC’s primary goal is to increase the digital commerce reach in India, aiming for a 25 percent market penetration within two years, with an anticipated gross merchandise value of $48 billion. In August, ONDC recorded 12.58 million transactions, reflecting a 5 percent month-on-month growth. Despite this slight slowdown from July’s 21 percent growth, the platform is steadily expanding, especially in non-mobility sectors like retail and logistics. This consistent growth reflects ONDC’s potential to transform India’s e-commerce landscape by making it more accessible and inclusive for small and mid-sized businesses.
Zoho’s launch of the Vikra app on the ONDC platform signals the growing interest of tech companies in the government’s effort to democratize e-commerce in India. ONDC aims to break the dominance of large corporations like Amazon and Flipkart by creating an open, interoperable network where sellers can reach customers more easily. By providing tools for seamless order management, shipping, and analytics, Vikra enhances the accessibility of e-commerce, making it easier for sellers to thrive in the evolving digital landscape.
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