Federated chat lets your Microsoft Teams users exchange one-on-one chat messages with Slack users directly from their regular Teams chat list. It is an alternative deployment option for enterprises that prefer not to deploy the Unified Connector App.
This article guides Enterprise Admins through connecting a Slack workspace and enabling Chat for users. For help deciding between federated chat and the Unified Connector App, see Choosing between the Unified Connector App and Federated Chat.
Important
An enterprise can use only one chat deployment option at a time: either the Unified Connector App or federated chat, not both. Switching between the two does not delete existing chats, but users can no longer exchange messages in chats created under the previous option.
Before you begin
The enterprise must have the Chat service enabled, with Enable Federated Chat turned on by your ConnecttoTeams service provider.
The Slack workspace must be prepared for automated channel creation. Follow the instructions in Slack Admin Guide for Preparing the Slack Workspace.
Step 1: Connect a Slack workspace
Connect your Teams organization with the Slack workspace your users will chat with. This process deploys the TeamsLink app to the Slack workspace.
For specific instructions, see , see Deploying the App to Slack Workspace section in this article.
Result: The Slack workspace is listed in the table with a Connected status.
Note: You only need to connect a Slack workspace from the portal when your company also administers that workspace. Teams users can still invite Slack users from other organizations; in that case, the Slack side installs TeamsLink when accepting the invitation.
Step 2: Enable Chat for users
Enable Chat for each Teams user who will use federated chat, from the Users page (Actions ⋯ → Enable Chat). For the full steps, including how to disable chat and restore a deleted Connect2Teams Chat, see Enable Chat for Users.
Result: A personal chat named Connect2Teams Chat appears in the user's Microsoft Teams chat list. From this chat, the user can invite Slack contacts. Share Chatting with Slack users through federated chat with your users.