> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.datazone.co/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Channels

> Configure notification channels for sending reports and alerts

## Overview

Channels provide a way to integrate Datazone with external communication platforms. You can configure channels to send scheduled reports, alerts, and notifications through Slack or email.

## Supported Channel Types

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/datazone/eXC_hzcA5yggegQb/images/channels.jpeg?fit=max&auto=format&n=eXC_hzcA5yggegQb&q=85&s=8a07a5e2370b776371c2cb7cb5264bf7" alt="Channels" width="1370" height="768" data-path="images/channels.jpeg" />
</Frame>

### Slack Integration

To set up a Slack channel, you need to create a Slack App and obtain a Bot Token.

#### Step 1: Create a Slack App

1. Go to [https://api.slack.com/apps](https://api.slack.com/apps)
2. Click **"Create New App"**
3. Choose **"From scratch"**
4. Enter an app name (e.g., "Datazone")
5. Select your workspace
6. Click **"Create App"**

#### Step 2: Add Bot Token Scopes

1. In your app settings, go to **"OAuth & Permissions"**
2. Scroll to **"Bot Token Scopes"**
3. Add the following required scopes:
   * `channels:read` - View basic information about public channels
   * `chat:write` - Send messages as your app
   * `files:write` - Upload files as your app

#### Step 3: Install App to Workspace

1. Scroll to **"OAuth Tokens for Your Workspace"**
2. Click **"Install to Workspace"**
3. Review permissions and click **"Allow"**
4. Copy the **Bot User OAuth Token** (starts with `xoxb-`)

#### Step 4: Add App to Channels

For each Slack channel where you want to receive notifications:

1. Open the channel in Slack
2. Click the channel name at the top
3. Go to **"Integrations"** tab
4. Click **"Add an App"**
5. Select your Datazone app

#### Required Credential

* **Bot User OAuth Token** - The `xoxb-` token from Step 3

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  <img src="https://co-datazone-public.s3.amazonaws.com/datazone-docs-media-contents/create-channel.gif" alt="create-channel" />
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### Email Integration

To set up an Email channel, you need SMTP server credentials.

#### Required Credentials

* **SMTP Host** - Your SMTP server address (e.g., `smtp.gmail.com`)
* **SMTP Port** - Server port (typically `587` for TLS or `465` for SSL)
* **Email Address** - The email address to send from
* **Username** - SMTP authentication username (often same as email address)
* **Password** - SMTP authentication password or app-specific password
* **Use TLS** - Enable TLS/SSL encryption (recommended)

#### Common SMTP Settings

**Gmail:**

* Host: `smtp.gmail.com`
* Port: `587`
* Use TLS: `Yes`
* Note: Use an [App Password](https://support.google.com/accounts/answer/185833) instead of your regular password

**Outlook/Office 365:**

* Host: `smtp.office365.com`
* Port: `587`
* Use TLS: `Yes`

**Other Providers:**
Check your email provider's documentation for SMTP settings.

## Using Channels

Once you've configured a channel with the credentials above, you can use it to send [Reports](/reference/platform/reports) to your team via Slack or email.

## Security

All channel credentials (OAuth tokens, SMTP passwords) are encrypted at rest. Datazone uses industry-standard encryption to protect your sensitive integration data.