Freedom251 › Incident Management Software
RespondNow
What RespondNow is
RespondNow is an open-source incident management framework for teams that coordinate response work through Slack. Teams can create, list, and update incidents in the Slack app, open triage channels, and attach incident materials such as bug reports, tickets, and RCA documents. An incident can be started with `/start` in a designated Slack channel or another channel where the bot is integrated, or through the Slack app home page. On creation, RespondNow opens a channel named with the `rn-{timestamp}-{incident-name}` pattern and adds the person who started the incident. A dashboard gives teams a visual interface for tracking and managing active incidents.
RespondNow runs on Kubernetes and uses Helm for deployment. Its documented prerequisites are Kubernetes 1.22 or later, Helm 3, and a persistent volume of at least 5 GB. Slack setup requires permission to install locally developed apps and connect apps to workspace channels. Administrators also need to provide Slack app-level and bot OAuth tokens during setup. Project documentation describes Slack integration, and the Helm repository README mentions MongoDB integration. RespondNow is free and open source under the Apache License 2.0. The project describes developers and SREs contributing reusable runbooks as its intended community, and its product site credits Harness Inc.
Who it suits
RespondNow suits developers and SREs who want an open-source incident workflow built around Slack and Kubernetes. It is also relevant to teams that want incident channels, attached response materials, and a dashboard for ongoing incidents.
What it does well
- Free and open source under Apache License 2.0.
- Create and update incidents through Slack.
- Automatically creates a triage channel and adds its creator.
- Dashboard for monitoring and managing ongoing incidents.
- Slack and MongoDB integrations are described in project materials.
What to know first
- Requires Kubernetes 1.22 or later and Helm 3.
- Requires a persistent volume of at least 5 GB.
- Slack setup requires app installation permissions and OAuth tokens.
Limits
There is no paid plan listed; RespondNow is free and open source. Deployment requires Kubernetes 1.22 or later, Helm 3, and a persistent volume of at least 5 GB.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free and open source | Free |
As github.com lists them, read 4 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Open the RespondNow project website on GitHub.
- Prepare Kubernetes 1.22 or later, Helm 3, and a persistent volume of at least 5 GB.
- Arrange permission to install locally developed Slack apps and integrate apps into workspace channels.
- Generate Slack app-level and bot OAuth tokens for setup.
- Deploy RespondNow on Kubernetes using Helm.
- Start an incident with `/start` in an integrated Slack channel or from the Slack app home page.
Verdict
Choose RespondNow if your team wants an open-source incident workflow connected to Slack and can deploy on Kubernetes. Its incident channels and dashboard support coordination, while the Kubernetes, Helm, storage, and Slack setup requirements shape whether it fits your environment.
Questions
How much does RespondNow cost?
The Free plan costs nothing. RespondNow is described as free and open source.
Is RespondNow open source?
Yes. The repository lists the Apache License 2.0.
What platforms does RespondNow support?
Its listed platforms are self-hosted and web.
What does RespondNow integrate with?
Project documentation describes Slack integration. The Helm repository README also says it integrates with MongoDB.
Who makes RespondNow?
The product site credits Harness Inc. in its copyright notice.
What is needed to deploy it?
The documented prerequisites are Kubernetes 1.22 or later, Helm 3, and a persistent volume sized at least 5 GB.
Facts from RespondNow's own pages
- Audience
- The project describes its intended community as developers and SREs contributing reusable runbooks. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Dashboard
- An incident dashboard provides a visual interface for monitoring and managing ongoing incidents. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Deployment
- RespondNow is deployed on Kubernetes and its setup guide uses Helm. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Incident creation
- Users can start an incident with /start in a designated Slack channel or a channel where the bot is integrated, or from the Slack app home page. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The project documentation describes integration with Slack; the Helm repository README also says it integrates with MongoDB. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository states that RespondNow is licensed under Apache License 2.0. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
- Maker
- The product site credits Harness Inc. in its copyright notice. · respondnow.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Prerequisites
- The documented deployment prerequisites are Kubernetes 1.22+, Helm 3, and a persistent volume sized at least 5 GB. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- RespondNow is an open-source incident management framework for handling incidents from start to finish. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Security
- The setup guide instructs administrators to generate and provide Slack app-level and bot OAuth tokens during setup. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Slack setup
- The documentation requires permission to install locally developed Slack apps and integrate apps into workspace channels. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Slack workflow
- The dedicated Slack app lets teams create, list, and update incidents, set up triage channels, and attach artifacts such as bug reports, tickets, or RCA documents. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
- Triage channels
- When an incident is created, RespondNow creates a Slack channel named with the rn-{timestamp}-{incident-name} convention and adds the incident creator. · respondnow.github.io, 4 Oct 2026
Where RespondNow stands on Freedom251
- Incident Management Software#15 of 29