Founder of India’s Ola Cabs Claims Switch to Own Maps, But Netizens Reveal Use of Open Source

In a bold move, Ola Cabs’ founder recently announced via Twitter that the company has completely transitioned from Google Maps to their proprietary Ola Maps, touting significant cost savings and new features. However, a wave of scrutiny from netizens revealed that the much-lauded Ola Maps is, in fact, built on an open-source platform, not an entirely in-house development as implied.

The Announcement

The founder’s tweet read: “After Azure exit last month, we’ve now fully exited Google Maps. We used to spend ₹100 cr a year but we’ve made that 0 this month by moving completely to our in-house Ola Maps! Check your Ola app and update if needed 😉 Also, Ola Maps API available on @Krutrim cloud! Many more features coming soon – street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, drone maps etc!”

The announcement was met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. While some applauded Ola for reducing operational costs and developing homegrown solutions, others delved deeper into the claims, only to discover that the so-called Ola Maps was not entirely original.

Netizens Unveil the Reality

A group of tech-savvy Twitter users started dissecting the app and the API. Their findings were eye-opening. Rather than being a completely new creation, Ola Maps appears to be a wrapper around an open-source mapping solution. This revelation has sparked a conversation about transparency and the ethics of technological branding.

What is Open Source?

Open source refers to software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. Unlike proprietary software, where the code is closely guarded and modifications are restricted, open-source software is developed collaboratively and shared freely. This model promotes innovation and community-driven improvements, making it a cornerstone of many technological advancements.

Community Reaction

The reaction from the public has been varied. Some users feel misled by the announcement, expressing their disappointment on social media. Others have defended the company, arguing that using open-source tools is a smart and cost-effective strategy that many tech companies employ.

The Implications

This incident raises questions about corporate transparency and the fine line between marketing and misrepresentation. While there is nothing inherently wrong with leveraging open-source technologies, the framing of Ola Maps as a completely proprietary solution has left a sour taste for some users.

Moreover, this scenario underscores the importance of open-source contributions in the tech ecosystem. Many of the features touted in the tweet—street view, NERFs, indoor images, 3D maps, and drone maps—are complex and resource-intensive to develop from scratch. Open-source solutions provide a foundation that can significantly accelerate innovation and deployment.

For Ola, this episode is a learning opportunity. It highlights the need for clear communication and honesty about the technologies powering their services. As Ola continues to develop and integrate new features into its mapping service, it would benefit from fostering a transparent dialogue with its user base.

While the move away from Google Maps marks a significant milestone for Ola, the backlash from netizens reveals the complexities of tech branding and the critical role of transparency. As the company moves forward, it will be interesting to see how it navigates the balance between innovation, cost-saving, and honest communication.

This incident is a reminder that in the age of digital scrutiny, transparency is not just a virtue but a necessity for maintaining trust and credibility with users.