Set up a connector to archive Slack data

Use DataParser from 17a-4 LLC to import and archive data from the Slack platform to user mailboxes in your Microsoft 365 organization. DataParser includes a Slack connector that's configured to capture items from a third-party data source and import those items to Microsoft 365. The Slack DataParser connector converts Slack data to an email message format and then imports those items to user mailboxes in Microsoft 365.

After Slack data is stored in user mailboxes, you can apply Microsoft Purview features such as Litigation Hold, eDiscovery, retention policies and retention labels, and communication compliance. Using a Slack connector to import and archive data in Microsoft 365 can help your organization stay compliant with government and regulatory policies.

Tip

If you're not an E5 customer, use the 90-day Microsoft Purview solutions trial to explore how additional Purview capabilities can help your organization manage data security and compliance needs. Start now at the Microsoft Purview compliance portal trials hub. Learn details about signing up and trial terms.

Overview of archiving Slack data

The following overview explains the process of using a data connector to archive Slack data in Microsoft 365.

1. Your organization works with 17a-4 to set up and configure the Slack DataParser.

2. Regularly, Slack items are collected by the DataParser. The DataParser also converts the content of a message to an email message format.

3. The Slack DataParser connector that you create in the Microsoft Purview portal or the Microsoft Purview compliance portal connects to DataParser and transfers the messages to a secure Azure Storage location in the Microsoft cloud.

4. A subfolder in the Inbox folder named Slack DataParser is created in the user mailboxes, and the Slack items are imported to that folder. The connector determines which mailbox to import items to by using the value of the Email property. Every Slack item contains this property, which is populated with the email address of every participant.

Before you set up a connector

Important

All partner third-party data connector configurations require a provisioned service principal for the partner application. This requirement isn't applicable for native Microsoft third-pary data connector configurations. We recommend working with your partners for details on the relevant Partner Application ID.

To provision a service principal using PowerShell, see Provision a service principal for partner third-party data connectors.

• Create a DataParser account for Microsoft connectors. To do this, contact 17a-4 LLC. You need to sign into this account when you create the connector in Step 1.

• The user who creates the Slack DataParser connector in Step 1 (and completes it in Step 3) must be assigned the Data Connector Admin role. This role is required to add connectors on the Data connectors page in the Microsoft Purview portal or the compliance portal. This role is added by default to multiple role groups. For a list of these role groups, see Roles in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Purview compliance. Alternatively, an admin in your organization can create a custom role group, assign the Data Connector Admin role, and then add the appropriate users as members. For instructions, see:

  • Permissions in the Microsoft Purview portal
  • Permissions in the compliance portal
  • Roles and role groups in Microsoft Defender for Office 365 and Microsoft Purview compliance

• This 17a-4 data connector is available in GCC environments in the Microsoft 365 US Government cloud. Third-party applications and services might involve storing, transmitting, and processing your organization's customer data on third-party systems that are outside of the Microsoft 365 infrastructure and therefore aren't covered by the Microsoft Purview and data protection commitments. Microsoft makes no representation that use of this product to connect to third-party applications implies that those third-party applications are FEDRAMP compliant.

Step 1: Set up a Slack DataParser connector

The first step is to create a 17a-4 connector for Slack data in the Microsoft Purview portal or the compliance portal.

Select the appropriate tab for the portal you're using. To learn more about the Microsoft Purview portal, see Microsoft Purview portal. To learn more about the Compliance portal, see Microsoft Purview compliance portal.

Microsoft Purview portal

1. Sign into the Microsoft Purview portal.
2. Select Settings > Data connectors.
3. Select My connectors, then select Add connector.
4. From the list, choose Slack DataParser.
5. On the Terms of service page, select Accept.
6. Enter a unique name that identifies the connector and then select Next.
7. Sign in to your 17a-4 account and complete the steps in the Slack DataParser connection wizard.

Compliance portal

1. Go to https://compliance.microsoft.com and then select Data connectors > Slack DataParser.
2. On the Slack DataParser product description page, select Add connector.
3. On the Terms of service page, select Accept.
4. Enter a unique name that identifies the connector and then select Next.
5. Sign in to your 17a-4 account and complete the steps in the Slack DataParser connection wizard.

Step 2: Configure the Slack DataParser connector

Work with 17a-4 Support to configure the Slack DataParser connector.

Step 3: Map users

The Slack DataParser connector automatically maps users to their Microsoft 365 email addresses before importing data to Microsoft 365.

Step 4: Monitor the Slack DataParser connector

After you create a Slack DataParser connector, you can view the connector status in the Microsoft Purview portal or the compliance portal.

Select the appropriate tab for the portal you're using. To learn more about the Microsoft Purview portal, see Microsoft Purview portal. To learn more about the Compliance portal, see Microsoft Purview compliance portal.

Microsoft Purview portal

1. Sign into the Microsoft Purview portal.
2. Select Settings > Data connectors.
3. Select My connectors, then select the Slack DataParser connector that you created to display the flyout page, which contains the properties and information about the connector.
4. Under Connector status with source, select the Download log link to open (or save) the status log for the connector. This log contains information about the data that's been imported to the Microsoft cloud. For more information, see View admin logs for data connectors.

Compliance portal

1. Go to https://compliance.microsoft.com and select Data connectors in the left nav.
2. Select the Connectors tab and then select the Slack DataParser connector that you created to display the flyout page, which contains the properties and information about the connector.
3. Under Connector status with source, select the Download log link to open (or save) the status log for the connector. This log contains information about the data that's been imported to the Microsoft cloud. For more information, see View admin logs for data connectors.

Known issues

At this time, we don't support importing attachments or items that are larger than 10 MB. Support for larger items will be available at a later date.