Running Your Own Email Server

S

shauntir

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2013
Messages
457
Reaction score
0
Location
Durban
So, I'm a software dev and know enough to manage a server.

A client of mine wants to host a web app with me and I'm using Azure to do this.

It got me thinking, if I should offer other hosting services like email. The question is, is it a worth while avenue to pursue from a business perspective? Especially since I cater more for development of software apps + hosting the apps.

I could certainly use my Exchange license or go with something like http://www.openchange.org/ + http://www.sogo.nu/.

The competition is rather stiff and there would be a large time overhead in terms of managing the server. If it is viable, what would be the best route in terms of hosting? I.e, should I get a local dedicated box or can it be hosted overseas? What about a local or international VPS? I assume VPS I.P's are recycled from time to time and could have been blacklisted for spam?
 
I would say rather use existing services. Its a nightmare depending on the type of client you have to service.
I have considered it in the past but having to worry about spam, email relays, etc is really annoying.
If your client is willing to pay you for your time then go for it. But competing with a shared hosting email offering is not worth it imho.

To answer your your other questions:
I would go vps from overseas from someone like Digitalocean. Its cheaper and their data centres are more stable. Local hosted will only be better when international cables break so you can still access it.
You can get IP's removed from spam lists as long as you can prove you are proactively managing your email security.
 
shauntir said:
So, I'm a software dev and know enough to manage a server.
Click to expand...

That's dangerous. I'd highly suggest going through a company that knows how to run an email server properly, otherwise your day job will turn into a hobby and your career as a spam fighter will start

Having said that, use Rackspace Email. Never worry about crap like spam, you get 10gb mail boxes and loads of support. You pay $1 a month extra per user, and you whitelabel everything, even the support. The 0800 number used to work here in SA, not sure if it still does.
 
Thanks for the replies. Kind of what I thought.

At the moment, I'm using Zoho for my biz email but thinking about getting the Exchange part of Office 365. Mainly because I really like outlook and it needs active sync support.

Guess I should now focus on my main biz area :erm:
 
shauntir said:
Thanks for the replies. Kind of what I thought.

At the moment, I'm using Zoho for my biz email but thinking about getting the Exchange part of Office 365. Mainly because I really like outlook and it needs active sync support.

Guess I should now focus on my main biz area :erm:
Click to expand...

Yea focus on what you do well. You can get Office 365 for your company. Then either get the customers to use zoho/sendgrid or just resell their service.
 
shauntir said:
Thanks for the replies. Kind of what I thought.

At the moment, I'm using Zoho for my biz email but thinking about getting the Exchange part of Office 365. Mainly because I really like outlook and it needs active sync support.

Guess I should now focus on my main biz area :erm:
Click to expand...

Smart move. Anyone can "admin" a server... until something breaks badly, then its a different story.
 
Personally... I'd stay clear of managing your own mail infrastructure... In the long run its more hassle than anything else and when something wrong and you realize that without email you are totally... Screwed... Then yeah.

Hosted exchange is a good option for your business, for clients etc take a look at this:

http://oceanhost.co.za/email-hosting

Using that at the moment myself and honestly... Could not be happier that I made the move, flawless email service for the clients to use.
 
Unless you know how to manage, secure and maintain a mail server on the internet (it's a bit different from 'in the office') and know how to combat spam, and also deal with clients sending spam, I've advise against it. Rather use a 3rd party for this service if you want to add it as a value-add to your clients and let them worry about the technicalities
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top
Sign up to the MyBroadband newsletter
X