mailcow

mailcow is a self-hosted mail server suite that provides a complete groupware solution. It integrates essential mail server components with a web-based administration panel to manage email accounts, domains, and security settings. The software is deployed as a set of Docker containers, which simplifies the installation and update process on a Linux server by isolating the various services required for a functional mail stack.

The application handles the full lifecycle of email communication, including the sending, receiving, and storing of messages. It is designed for users who require a private email infrastructure with integrated tools for administration and security. The system operates as a server-side application accessible via a web browser for management and standard mail protocols for client access, allowing users to connect their preferred desktop or mobile email clients.

Key features

• Dockerized deployment for simplified installation and management
• Integrated web administration panel for server configuration
• Support for SMTP and IMAP protocols
• Integrated spam filtering via rspamd
• Antivirus scanning provided by ClamAV
• Automated SSL certificate management through ACME
• Groupware capabilities including Sogo
• Mail delivery and routing handled by Postfix and Dovecot

The architecture relies on a combination of established open-source components to ensure stability and compatibility. It uses Postfix as the Mail Transfer Agent for routing and Dovecot for IMAP and POP3 services to manage mailbox access. The inclusion of Sogo provides users with a groupware interface for managing calendars and contacts alongside their email. The entire stack is orchestrated using docker-compose, ensuring that each service runs in an isolated environment while remaining interconnected through a virtual network.

This software is intended for system administrators and organizations seeking a full-featured, self-managed email platform. It provides a centralized way to handle multiple domains and users under the GNU General Public License v3.