Mailcow

Mailcow is an integrated mail server suite that bundles the components required to run a modern email system behind a single Docker Compose deployment. It provides a web-based administration interface to manage domains, mailboxes, aliases, and policies while shipping a pre-integrated stack for delivery, IMAP access, security, and monitoring.

Key Features:

• Full mail stack via Docker Compose (SMTP, IMAP, web UI, filtering, databases, caches)
• Web admin UI for domains, mailboxes, aliases, forwards, and quotas
• Anti-spam and anti-virus pipeline (Rspamd + ClamAV integration)
• DKIM signing and DMARC reporting support (stack-integrated)
• Automated TLS certificates via ACME/Let’s Encrypt and integrated reverse proxy
• SOGo groupware/webmail integration (calendar/contacts/groupware capabilities)
• Rate limiting and policy controls to help protect against abuse
• Built-in logging/metrics components for basic observability of mail services

Use Cases:

• Host email for one or multiple custom domains with mailbox and alias management
• Replace managed email hosting for small organizations needing administrative control
• Provide an integrated mail + groupware stack for teams (mail, calendars, contacts)

Limitations and Considerations:

• Operational complexity is higher than “SMTP relay only” solutions; correct DNS (SPF/DKIM/DMARC, rDNS) and deliverability tuning are required.
• The stack is tightly coupled to Docker Compose; advanced customization may require deeper familiarity with the containerized components.

Mailcow is suitable for operators who want a pre-wired, production-oriented email stack with a central admin UI and common security features included. It focuses on integrating proven mail components into a cohesive deployment rather than reinventing the underlying protocols and servers.