Channels¶
Channels are persistent shared spaces in iPassion AI Portal where humans and AI models participate in collaborative conversations. Unlike one-on-one chats, channels are designed for teams — with threaded discussions, real-time updates, and AI models that join when called.
Why Channels¶
Most AI interactions in iPassion AI Portal are private and personal: one user, one model, one conversation. Channels extend that capability to groups. A team can work together in a shared space, pull different AI models into the discussion as needed, and build a searchable record of decisions, findings, and outputs — all without switching tools.
Every message sent in a channel becomes part of a persistent, searchable history. Nothing is lost when you close the browser. The channel accumulates knowledge over time.
How AI Works in Channels¶
AI models are passive participants by default. They do not respond to every message in a channel. They respond when directly @mentioned.
This design keeps channels usable as a human communication space without constant AI interruption. You control when a model enters the conversation.
When a model is @mentioned, its response appears in a thread on that message rather than in the main timeline. This keeps the primary channel feed clean and readable while preserving the full exchange in context.
@Model Tagging¶
To summon a model, type @ followed by the model name. For example:
The tagged model reads the message, the thread context, and any attached files, then replies in the thread. You can tag multiple models in a single message to get parallel responses from different models.
Full AI Capabilities¶
AI models in channels have access to the same capabilities they have in direct chats. This includes:
- Function calling and tool use
- Web search
- Image generation
- Code execution
- Knowledge base retrieval
A model @mentioned in a channel is not a reduced version of itself. It brings its full capability set to the conversation.
Real-Time Collaboration¶
Channels update in real time. When a teammate sends a message or a model responds, it appears immediately without refreshing. iPassion AI Portal channels include:
- Emoji reactions — React to any message with an emoji to acknowledge, vote, or express sentiment without adding a reply
- Threaded replies — Respond to a specific message in a thread to keep related discussion organized without cluttering the main timeline
- Pinned messages — Pin important messages so they remain easy to find regardless of how much conversation has accumulated
- Unread indicators — See which channels have new activity and where you left off
File Sharing¶
Files can be shared directly in channels. This includes images, documents, and code files. Attached files are visible to all channel members and can be referenced by AI models when they are @mentioned in the same thread.
Channel Types¶
iPassion AI Portal supports three types of channels, each suited to a different collaboration pattern.
Standard Channels¶
Standard channels are persistent topic rooms available to a defined audience — either public (visible and joinable by all users in the instance) or private (invite-only).
Use standard channels for ongoing work organized by topic: a project, a product area, a recurring process, or a shared interest. These are the primary collaboration spaces in iPassion AI Portal.
Creating a standard channel requires administrator privileges.
Group Channels¶
Group channels are scoped to a specific team. They provide a shared space for a defined set of members without being open to the broader organization. Group channels are appropriate when a team needs a persistent shared space that is not a general-purpose topic room.
Direct Messages¶
Direct messages (DMs) support 1:1 conversations and small group conversations. They are private between the participants and do not appear in any public channel list.
DMs are appropriate for focused, personal communication or quick exchanges that do not need the structure of a named channel.
Multi-Model Workflows¶
Because you can @mention any model available in iPassion AI Portal, channels support workflows that draw on multiple models in a single conversation. For example:
- Tag a coding-focused model for code review
- Tag a writing-focused model to draft a summary of the discussion
- Tag a reasoning-focused model for analysis or decision support
Each model responds in its own thread on the message where it was tagged, keeping outputs organized and attributable.
Enabling Channels¶
Channels must be enabled by an administrator before they are available to users.
To enable channels in iPassion AI Portal:
- Navigate to Settings > Admin > General
- Locate the Channels setting
- Enable it and save
Once enabled, the Channels section appears in the left sidebar navigation for all users.
Common Use Cases¶
Knowledge Hub¶
Use a channel as a team knowledge base. Share findings, decisions, and reference material in a persistent space. @mention a model to summarize recent discussion, find related messages, or synthesize information from multiple threads. The channel history becomes a searchable record your team can query.
Incident Response¶
Create a dedicated channel when an incident begins. All communication happens in one place — updates, analysis, decisions, and resolution steps. @mention an AI model to help analyze logs, suggest remediation steps, or draft a status update. The channel preserves a complete incident timeline automatically.
Strategic Planning¶
Use a channel to run an extended planning process over days or weeks. Bring in different models at different stages — one for market research, one for writing, one for structured analysis. Invite stakeholders to react, comment, and contribute in threads. The full discussion stays available for reference throughout the process.
Creative Projects¶
Use a channel for creative work that benefits from team input and AI assistance. Share drafts, get reactions via emoji and threaded feedback, and @mention a model to generate alternatives, refine copy, or brainstorm directions. The persistent history lets you trace how a project evolved and revisit earlier ideas.
Channels are available in iPassion AI Portal once enabled by an administrator. Contact your administrator if you do not see the Channels section in your sidebar.
Reference
For more technical details, see the Open WebUI — Channels documentation.