Tailchat

Tailchat is an open source “noIM” (not only instant messaging) team collaboration app that combines chat with an extensible platform for integrating tools and workflows. It supports multi-group workspaces, panels for organizing topics, and a plugin-centered approach for customization.

Key Features

• Real-time messaging with multiple message types (text, links, mentions, images, files) and reactions
• Workspace and group structure with panels to organize conversations by topic
• Inbox-style notifications for mentions and plugin events
• Plugin center for extending the UI and embedding tools (e.g., whiteboards, conferencing, utilities)
• Bot and open platform integrations via simple URL requests or OpenAPI apps
• Built-in RBAC permission system with roles and permission points that plugins can extend
• Optional AI assistant features such as rewriting, simplifying text, and summarizing chat history
• Multi-platform support with web-based UI and dedicated clients for native capabilities

Use Cases

• Replacing Slack/Discord-style chat for teams that want deeper customization
• Building an internal collaboration hub by embedding third-party tools through plugins
• Adding automation and notifications from external systems using bots and OpenAPI

Limitations and Considerations

• The third-party developer interfaces and plugin APIs may still evolve and can introduce breaking changes over time

Tailchat fits teams that want a modern chat experience but also need a flexible integration and extension model. Its plugin system and RBAC design make it suitable for both small groups and larger, structured organizations.