Pioneering Innovation Hub to Drive Okta’s Expansion in India, Fostering Digital Identity Advancements and Fueling Job Creation in Cloud and Cybersecurity Sector
Bengaluru, NFAPost: In a strategic move aimed at bolstering secure digital transformation efforts across Asia Pacific, Okta, the leading independent identity provider, has announced the inauguration of a new office in India. This expansion underscores Okta’s commitment to fortifying secure digital transitions while delivering top-tier customer support. The new Indian headquarters, situated in S.R. Nagar, Bengaluru, will serve as the central hub for Okta’s operations in the Indian subcontinent.
A notable component of Okta’s expansion plans is the establishment of a cutting-edge Research and Development (R&D) centre. This centre will focus on the development of Okta’s innovative identity solutions, catering to global needs. Okta’s move into the Indian market is aimed at furnishing the country’s innovative enterprises and government agencies with industry-leading identity solutions.
Highlighting this milestone, Todd McKinnon, CEO and Co-Founder of Okta, expressed his excitement about entering the Indian market and extending Okta’s support to the country’s flourishing digital economy. He emphasized Okta’s mission to enable the secure usage of technology for everyone.
The escalating demand for cybersecurity solutions and authentication, driven by the surge in cyber fraud, provides a fertile ground for Okta’s expansion in India. According to Avendus Capital’s recent report, India is projected to witness an 18% increase in cybersecurity spending between 2020 and 2025. The report also highlighted the shift towards cloud-based solutions and zero-trust architecture.
Ben Goodman, Okta’s Senior Vice President and General Manager for Asia Pacific and Japan, acknowledged India’s reputation for technological innovation and entrepreneurship. He outlined that Okta’s presence in India will contribute to serving local customers, encouraging innovation, and nurturing the growth of India’s technology and cybersecurity landscape.
As part of its broader strategy, Okta plans to strengthen its partner ecosystem and elevate customer support in the region. By establishing a physical footprint in India, Okta aims to cater to the evolving needs of local stakeholders and engage with the thriving technology community.
Okta’s early engagement in India through its venture capital arm, Okta Ventures, has paved the way for collaborations with significant players like Bureau ID, an AI-powered identity decisioning platform provider. This has positioned Okta to work with prominent Indian organizations, including Bajaj Finserv, IIFL, Rapido, Kreditbee, Mahindra Finance, and SBM Bank.
Furthermore, Okta’s collaboration with Darwinbox, India’s leading Human Capital Management (HCM) platform, is geared towards seamless and secure access to Darwinbox services through the Okta Integration Network (OIN). This integration aligns with Okta’s extensive library of pre-built integrations in OIN, aiding businesses in their cloud journey.
Okta’s proven identity and access management solutions, adopted by organizations globally, are poised to enhance security, streamline identity processes, and accelerate digital initiatives for Indian businesses across various sectors. Atul Agarwal, Okta India’s Country Head, emphasized the significance of identity and access management in India’s ongoing digital revolution.
Apart from catering to business needs, Okta’s new office will facilitate collaboration with Indian policymakers and educational institutions. This partnership aims to enhance customer value, contribute to cybersecurity talent development, and design integrations tailored to Indian enterprises.
Additionally, in tandem with the new office inauguration, Okta announced the establishment of its first Global Innovation Center in Asia Pacific, based in Bangalore. This centre will serve as a collaborative space for customers, partners, and developers to ideate and co-create innovative solutions using Okta’s identity management platform.
Sagnik Nandy, President and Chief Development Officer at Okta, highlighted the centre’s pivotal role in driving innovation in the digital identity sphere. The centre’s mission aligns with Okta’s commitment to secure and seamless digital experiences.
In conclusion, Okta’s expansion into India signifies a strategic move to amplify secure digital transformation efforts in the region. With the establishment of an R&D centre and the inauguration of a Global Innovation Center, Okta aims to position itself as a key contributor to India’s technological advancement while enabling secure and frictionless digital experiences for businesses and users alike.
