Zammad
Self-HostedOpen-source helpdesk and ticketing system
Overview
Zammad is an open-source, self-hosted ticketing and helpdesk solution for managing customer inquiries across email, chat, social media, and phone. It offers multi-channel support, SLA tracking, automation rules, knowledge base integration, and customizable dashboards. Deploy via Docker, Kubernetes, or traditional servers; supports on-premises/cloud hosting. Ideal for teams seeking full control over support workflows without vendor lock-in, from small businesses to enterprises.
Self-Hosting Resources
Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml.
⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.
version: '3'
services:
zammad:
image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
container_name: zammad
ports:
- "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
volumes:
- ./data:/app/data
restart: unless-stopped Key Features
- Multi-channel support (email, chat, social media, phone)
- Automation rules and SLA tracking
- Knowledge base integration and customizable dashboards
- Team collaboration tools and role-based access control
Frequently Asked Questions
? Is Zammad hard to install?
Zammad is easy to install using Docker (official images available) or one-click installers for platforms like Ubuntu. Traditional setups require Linux server knowledge (web servers like Nginx/Apache, PostgreSQL). Comprehensive documentation and community support simplify the process for beginners.
? Is it a good alternative to Zendesk?
Yes—Zammad offers core ticketing features similar to Zendesk (multi-channel, automation, SLA) but as open-source software, it gives full control over data and customization without recurring subscription costs for the community edition. Enterprise editions add advanced features like SSO and priority support.
? Is it completely free?
The Zammad Community Edition is 100% free and open-source (AGPLv3 license). Paid Enterprise Editions include additional features like advanced reporting, audit logs, and official support, but the core ticketing functionality is free for self-hosting.
Top Alternatives
People Also Ask about Zammad
Tool Info
Pros
- ⊕ Full data control (self-hosted option)
- ⊕ No vendor lock-in (open-source core)
- ⊕ Comprehensive multi-channel support
Cons
- ⊖ Requires basic server administration skills for self-hosting
- ⊖ Advanced features (like SSO) are limited to paid enterprise plans
- ⊖ Steeper learning curve compared to simpler ticketing tools