Self-Hosted Email
Self-hosted email refers to running and managing your own email server infrastructure, including mail transfer agents (MTAs), mail delivery agents (MDAs), and related services like spam filtering and authentication, rather than relying on third-party providers. This involves setting up software such as Postfix, Dovecot, and OpenDKIM on a server you control, typically using Linux-based systems. It provides full ownership over email data, configuration, and security policies, but requires significant technical expertise to maintain.
Developers should consider self-hosted email when they need complete control over data privacy, compliance with strict regulations (e.g., GDPR or HIPAA), or custom email workflows for applications or organizations. It's particularly useful for tech-savvy individuals, small businesses wanting to avoid vendor lock-in, or projects requiring integration with custom software, though it demands ongoing maintenance for security and reliability.