Zoho releases platform update with AI integration and workspace restructuring

The business software suite introduces context-based navigation, AI-assisted features, and expanded third-party connectivity across its 50+ application ecosystem.

Andrew Bourne, Regional Head of Zoho Africa. 

Zoho Corporation has released updates to its business software platform, implementing changes to user interface design, security protocols, and artificial intelligence integration. The update affects the company's suite of over 50 business applications.

The platform now organizes tools into category-based workspaces labeled Personal, Organizational, and Department-specific. This restructuring allows users to access functions without switching between separate applications. A search bar has been added that operates across all applications, enabling information retrieval and workflow initiation from any point in the system.

"The update represents a shift from individual application usage to platform-based operations," stated Andrew Bourne, Regional Head for Zoho South Africa. "Organizations selecting this solution are choosing to delegate technology management while maintaining focus on their core operations."

The interface includes an Action Panel that displays meetings, messages, tasks, and notifications in one location, accessible regardless of the active application. A Dashboard feature consolidates data from both Zoho and third-party applications through customizable widgets.

The company has introduced Vani, a collaboration space that supports whiteboard functions, diagramming, mind mapping, and video calling within the same environment.

Security architecture and administrative functions

The platform utilizes native integrations across its application suite and with external software. This approach reduces external entry points and enables anomaly detection. Zoho Directory, included in the platform, provides administrators with tools for managing user identity and access controls.

An administrative panel allows monitoring and configuration of all system connections. The platform consolidates application-specific portals—both Zoho and third-party—into a single interface. Domain verification and authentication procedures can be configured through this centralized system.

The Smart Offboarding feature combines multiple processes into one workflow, handling department ownership transfers, device data management, and access rights modifications during employee transitions.

AI functionality and data management

Zia, the platform's AI assistant, operates across all applications within the suite. The system aggregates and processes information from various sources, including third-party platforms such as Google Workspace, and presents the data in formatted reports.

Zia Hubs functions as a content management system where contracts, meeting recordings, and business documents are automatically organized. The Zia Search feature allows employees to locate information across the platform without navigating to specific storage locations.

These updates modify how the platform handles application integration, user navigation, and data processing across the business software suite. The changes affect organizations currently using the platform as well as those evaluating business management software options.