New Delhi: In a strategic move aimed at cost reduction, Ola Cabs has announced its exit from Google Maps, transitioning to its proprietary Ola Maps. This shift is expected to save the ride-hailing giant approximately Rs 100 crore annually.
Bhavish Aggarwal, co-founder and chairman of Ola Group, confirmed the change on social media, stating, “After Azure exit last month, we’ve now fully exited Google Maps. We used to spend Rs 100 crore a year, but we’ve made that zero this month by moving completely to our in-house Ola Maps! Check your Ola app and update if needed.”
This announcement comes on the heels of Ola’s recent technological overhaul. Three months ago, the company ended its partnership with Microsoft Azure and completed the transition of its entire workload to Krutrim, its in-house artificial intelligence (AI) firm.
In May, Aggarwal revealed via X (formerly known as Twitter) that Ola was ending its association with Microsoft Azure. The transition to Krutrim was completed within a week, showcasing the company’s commitment to enhancing its technological capabilities and reducing dependency on third-party services.
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At the launch of Krutrim AI, Ola disclosed that the new AI firm would also provide mapping solutions as part of its cloud services. This strategic move aligns with Ola’s broader vision of leveraging in-house technology to drive innovation and efficiency.
The introduction of Ola Maps marks a significant milestone in Ola’s journey towards self-reliance and cost-effectiveness. By developing and deploying its own mapping solutions, Ola not only aims to reduce operational costs but also to enhance the user experience through tailored, cutting-edge technology.
Ola Maps is now live and operational. Users are encouraged to update their Ola app to experience the new mapping service. This transition underscores Ola’s commitment to continuous improvement and customer satisfaction, reinforcing its position as a leader in the ride-hailing industry.
As Ola continues to innovate and streamline its operations, the company remains focused on delivering top-notch service to its customers while strategically managing costs. The successful implementation of Ola Maps is a testament to the company’s ability to adapt and evolve in the ever-changing tech landscape.
