A multi-channel apparatus for classifying particles according to one or more particle characteristics may have a plurality of flow cytometry units, each of which is operable to classify particles in a mixture of particles by interrogating a stream of fluid containing the particles with a beam of electromagnetic radiation. The flow cytometry units may share an integrated platform with: (1) a common supply of particles; (2) a common housing; (3) a common processor for controlling operation of the units; (4) a common processor for receiving and processing information from the units; and (5) a common fluid delivery system. The integrated platform can include a common source of electromagnetic radiation. A method uses a plurality of flow cytometry units sharing the integrated platform to perform a flow cytometric operation, such as analyzing or sorting particles.