$9 billion worth Okta, which has more than 6000 employees worldwide, has announced the launch of its Indian operations.
They have just opened a new office in Bengaluru that will be focussed on research and development in user identification-related protocols and processes.
San Francisco, California based Okta is a 14 year old tech behemoth that helps companies to manage, track and secure user authentications into applications and software.
With 18,000 customers & 8000 integrations, Okta creates powerful Cloud based software platforms to execute user authentications and empower developers to identify controls into applications, website web services and devices.
Todd McKinnon, Okta’s CEO and co-founder said, “We are excited to enter the Indian market and bring industry-leading identity to the country’s innovative businesses and government agencies,”
What Is Okta’s Plan For India?
Okta plans to work closely with policymakers in India, and develop powerful, secured and scalable user authentication systems for businesses to stop cyber crimes, and create a safe digital landscape for all entities.
Using their intelligent and advanced user authentication protocols, Okta aims to streamline identity verification process for startups, enterprises and SMEs, that will trigger the next wave of Digital Transformation in India.
Ben Goodman, Okta SVP and GM for Asia Pacific and Japan said, “India is renowned for its technological innovation and entrepreneurial spirit. By establishing a dedicated presence here, we are better positioned to serve our Indian customers and partners, foster local innovation, and contribute to the continued growth of the Indian technology and cybersecurity landscape,”
Interestingly, Okta has already invested in an Indian startup called Bureau ID, which also specializes in this niche. This investment was done via its Venture Capital-arm: Okta Ventures.
Some of the leading brands in India such as Bajaj Finserv, IIFL, Rapido, Kreditbee, Mahindra Finance, and SBM Bank are customers of Bureau ID, which gives Okta a leverage to expand their services across India.
As per Okta, they have some aggressive hiring and expansion plans in India, and the first step has been taken.
Atul Agarwal, Okta India country head said, “India is in the thick of a digital revolution, and identity and access management has become a crucial element for organisations across industries,”
Okta believes in treating identity verification and user authentication as a strategy for Indian businesses to embrace digital transformation on a massive scale.
