We have never runs ads. Here's why:
We believe the approach a business takes to make money defines its priorities. We picked a simple business model: we offer compelling products and services at affordable prices and customers pay for these. We keep our promise by protecting customer's data, with no double dipping. Our business model is as simple as that - a direct customer-to-vendor relationship.
Why fix something that's not broken?
Ad-based business models often conflict with user's interest. In a three point business model - user, vendor, advertiser - each party's interests won't always align. Free products are heavily influenced by advertiser intent, making the product more optimized for profit and advertisers than its users. Zoho has rejected an ad-based business model for 25 years, even for our free products, and have no intention to change.