At its annual user conference last week, international technology company Zoho launched a browser built specifically to help users protect their privacy, with pre-built capabilities to block tracking and website surveillance.
Called Ulaa, the web browser comes equipped with features that allow for privacy customization, built-in browser modes and integrated productivity tools, while aiming to keep user data safe and private.
"Not many browsers on the market today are built to protect user privacy," said Raju Vegesna, Zoho's chief evangelist. "They were created to protect the respective company's ad-based business models and surveillance companies that compliment them, which runs counter to protecting users. This conflict between user's preferences and browser's business models means end-users lose. With Ulaa, users don't have to compromise their privacy to browse the web, which unfortunately has become a surveillance minefield."
Ulaa has multiple modes to support different types of use, including Personal Mode for users to do shopping, online banking and other personal tasks, and a Work Mode to be used for dedicated work functions and which automatically pulls in the apps, websites and browser extensions that a person uses most for work.
Ulaa is free, and available today for users regardless if they are using other Zoho software or not.
The Austin, Texas, and Chennai, India-based Zoho made a number of other announcements at its conference, which was held in Austin May 3-5.
Of perhaps the most interest to accountants — especially those who have a CAS practice or wish to start one — is Zoho Start, which is still in beta and in limited states. It is a complete business startup package and includes whatever forms and filings are needed to establish a business such as an LLC, procuring an EIN number, and mapping out state-specific business guidelines.
Start includes pre-built integrations to Zoho Books, which will be free for the first year, integration with Zoho Domains, a service that enables small business owners to establish their online presence by acquiring their desired domain, and Zoho Voice, which offers small-business owners telephony services.
"Zoho's commitment is to serve businesses from their earliest days, through every stage of growth, and as they blossom into an enterprise," Vegesna said.
Zoho Start is available for public beta access but only in Texas right now, with California and Delaware to follow. The price will be $99.
