Keila

Keila is an open-source, self-hosted web app and server for managing mailing lists and distributing newsletter campaigns without relying on proprietary third-party services for list management. The software allows users to maintain full ownership of their subscriber data and campaign history while providing the necessary tools to grow an audience through digital communication.

The software is deployed as a web application on a server. Users can install it using the official Docker image or a provided Docker Compose configuration to ensure a consistent environment across different hosting providers. This deployment model is designed for those who prefer to manage their own infrastructure rather than using a managed cloud service, although a hosted version is available for those who do not wish to handle server administration.

Key features

• Management of newsletter campaigns
• Creation of sign-up forms for new subscribers
• Support for AWS SES as a delivery provider
• Integration with external services for email dispatch
• Compatibility with various delivery providers
• Support for standard SMTP configurations
• Ability to use a personal email inbox for small lists
• Self-hosted deployment via Docker

Keila functions as the management layer for email marketing, separating the list administration from the actual delivery mechanism. While it handles the organization of contacts and the creation of content, it integrates with external transactional email services to ensure delivery at scale. This architecture allows users to choose a delivery provider based on their specific volume requirements and budget. For smaller projects, the software supports basic SMTP or personal inboxes, while larger projects can leverage professional API-based delivery services to avoid spam filters and manage high volumes of outgoing mail.

The project is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3, ensuring that the software remains free and open for modification and redistribution. It is positioned as a privacy-focused tool for individuals and organizations that require autonomy over their communication channels and total control over their mailing lists.