DebOps

Self-Hosted

Open-source automated complete email server solution

Overview

DebOps is a set of Ansible roles for deploying and managing a full-featured email stack. It automates setup of SMTP (Postfix), IMAP/POP3 (Dovecot), webmail (Roundcube), spam filtering (SpamAssassin), and security tools like DKIM/DMARC and TLS encryption. Designed for self-hosting, it supports multi-domain management and user control, giving full ownership over email data. Deployment is streamlined via Ansible, reducing manual config errors, making it suitable for individuals or small-to-medium orgs wanting privacy-focused email without relying on third-party services.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  debops:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: debops
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Automated deployment with Ansible roles
Full email stack: SMTP, IMAP/POP3, webmail, spam filtering
Security: DKIM/DMARC, TLS encryption
Multi-domain and user management

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is DebOps hard to install?

DebOps uses Ansible for deployment, so basic Ansible familiarity helps. Following official docs (setting up an inventory and running playbooks) automates installation. Beginners may need to learn Ansible basics first, but the pre-configured roles simplify the process for those with foundational knowledge.

? Is it a good alternative to Gmail Workspace?

Yes—DebOps prioritizes data ownership and privacy (no third-party access) unlike Gmail Workspace. It’s free and self-hosted but requires server management. It’s ideal for users/organizations that value control over their email infrastructure over managed convenience.

? Is it completely free?

Yes—DebOps is open-source under the GPL license. There are no licensing fees; costs only include server hosting (VPS/dedicated hardware) and associated infrastructure expenses.

Top Alternatives

Gmail Workspace Search Google

Microsoft 365 Search Google

Zoho Mail Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category Communication - Email - Complete Solutions

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Full control over email data and privacy
⊕ Automated setup minimizes manual errors
⊕ Open-source with active community support
⊕ Scalable for multiple domains/users

Cons

⊖ Requires basic Ansible knowledge for setup/customization
⊖ Initial learning curve for beginners
⊖ Needs regular server maintenance (updates, patches)