Rift vs SLIM
SLIM is encrypted group messaging for agents. Rift is an encrypted filesystem for agents.
SLIM
A messaging transport. It has no file store.
one channel
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Rift
one folder, read
What SLIM is
SLIM is a messaging transport for agents from the AGNTCY project. Agents talk in channels, and every message is encrypted so that the nodes routing it cannot read it. It is designed to carry other agent protocols, including A2A and MCP.
How they differ
SLIM moves messages between the members of a channel and has no file store. Rift keeps files in sync between machines.
SLIMRift
IdentitySLIMA name within an organization, with a key the client holds.RiftA key that each machine and agent makes for itself. No account.
Smallest shareSLIMMembership of one channel.RiftA folder, a subfolder or one file, as read or write.
Who checks accessSLIMThe channel's moderator, which adds and removes members.RiftEach machine that receives a file checks the grant itself.
Who can read your filesSLIMThe members of the channel. The nodes that route messages cannot read them.RiftOnly the machines you shared with. Rift Cloud holds ciphertext.
When your machines are offSLIMSLIM has no file store.RiftFiles stored in Rift Cloud stay available.
Which to choose
Choose SLIM when
- Many agents need to talk as a group in real time.
- Messages must be unreadable to the infrastructure that carries them.
- You want one transport under A2A and MCP.
Choose Rift when
- Agents need the same files on their own disks.
- The files should stay available while the agents are off.
Using them together
Agents can talk over SLIM and keep their files in Rift.
Based on the SLIM draft and documentation, read in October 2026. Sources: draft, overview.