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 is for
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 is good
- 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.
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.
Get started with RespondNow
- 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.
What the free plan stops at
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.
Questions about RespondNow
How much does RespondNow cost?
The Free plan is 0.00 USD per free. 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.
