kChat: Complete Guide to Infomaniak's Team Messaging

kChat is the enterprise instant messaging tool built into Infomaniak\'s kSuite. A sovereign alternative to Slack and Microsoft Teams, it allows your teams to collaborate effectively while keeping their data in Switzerland. Here\'s the complete guide to getting the most out of it.

Discover kSuite with kChat

Getting Started with kChat

Accessing kChat

kChat is accessible in several ways:

• Web – Directly from your browser at kchat.infomaniak.com
• Desktop app – Windows, Mac, and Linux
• Mobile app – iOS and Android

Logging In

1. Use your kSuite/Infomaniak credentials
2. Select your organization (if you have multiple)
3. You\'ll arrive at the home page with your channels

The kChat Interface

The kChat interface is organized into three main areas:

Channels

Channels are topic-based discussion spaces. They allow you to organize conversations by project, team, or subject.

Channel Types

• Public channels – Visible and accessible by all organization members
• Private channels – Accessible by invitation only

Creating a Channel

1. Click the "+" next to "Channels" in the sidebar
2. Choose public or private
3. Give it a clear name (e.g., "project-website-redesign", "team-marketing")
4. Add a description to explain the channel\'s purpose
5. Invite the first members

Naming Best Practices

Direct Messages

Direct messages allow private conversations between two people or a small group.

Starting a Conversation

1. Click the "+" next to "Direct Messages"
2. Search for and select one or more colleagues
3. Start writing

Group Conversation

Direct messages can include up to 8 people. Beyond that, create a private channel instead.

Messaging Features

Text Formatting

kChat supports Markdown formatting:

• **bold** → bold
• *italic* → italic
• ~~strikethrough~~ → strikethrough
• `code` → for technical text
• ```code block``` → for multiple lines of code

Mentions

• @name – Mention a person (they\'ll receive a notification)
• @channel or @all – Notify all channel members

Reactions

React to messages with emojis without cluttering the thread. Hover over a message and click the emoji icon.

Threads

To reply to a specific message without cluttering the main channel, use threads:

1. Hover over the relevant message
2. Click the "Reply in thread" icon
3. Your replies will be grouped under the original message

File Sharing

Sharing a File

• Drag and drop a file into the message area
• Or click the paperclip icon to browse your files

kDrive Integration

Share files directly from kDrive:

1. Click the kDrive icon in the message area
2. Browse your kDrive folders
3. Select the file to share
4. A link to the file will be inserted in your message

Notifications

Configuring Notifications

Avoid notification overload by customizing per channel:

1. Click the channel name
2. Select "Notification preferences"
3. Choose from:
   • All messages
   • Mentions only
   • Nothing

Do Not Disturb Mode

Enable this mode to temporarily suspend all notifications. Useful during focused work sessions.

Notification Schedule

Set time slots during which you want to receive notifications (e.g., 9am-6pm on weekdays).

Video Conferencing with kMeet

Launch a video call directly from kChat:

1. In a channel or conversation, click the camera icon
2. A kMeet meeting is automatically created
3. Channel participants receive the link to join

Search

Easily find messages or files:

• Use the search bar at the top of the interface
• Filter by channel, person, date, or content type
• Results show the context around the found message

Desktop and Mobile Apps

Desktop App

The desktop app offers advantages over the web version:

• Native system notifications
• Auto-start with the system
• System keyboard shortcuts
• Better memory management

Download it from the Infomaniak website or directly from the webmail.

Mobile App

Stay connected on the go:

• Push notifications
• Option to disable notifications outside business hours
• Mobile-optimized interface
• Photo sharing from your device

Administering a kChat Space

Roles and Permissions

• Administrator – Full management (channels, members, settings)
• Moderator – Channel management and message moderation
• Member – Participation in discussions
• Guest – Limited access to certain channels

Archiving a Channel

Rather than deleting, archive obsolete channels:

1. Open the channel settings
2. Select "Archive channel"
3. The channel becomes read-only and disappears from the active list

Best Practices

Conclusion

kChat offers all the features expected from a modern team messaging tool, with the crucial advantage of Swiss hosting and native integration with kDrive and kMeet. Within a few days, your teams will find their bearings and appreciate the simplicity of the interface.

Try kChat with kSuite