Zimbra Collaboration

Self-Hosted

Open-source enterprise groupware suite for email, calendar, and collaboration

Overview

Zimbra Collaboration is an enterprise-grade groupware platform combining email, shared calendars, contacts, tasks, file storage, and instant messaging. It supports on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployment models, with Docker images available for simplified setup. Compatible with standard protocols (IMAP, SMTP, CalDAV, CardDAV), it integrates with third-party tools like Microsoft 365 and Google Workspace. Features include advanced security (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), mobile sync, web-based UI, and admin controls for user management and compliance. Ideal for teams needing a self-hosted alternative to proprietary groupware, it scales from small businesses to large enterprises.

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:
  zimbra_collaboration:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: zimbra-collaboration
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Unified email, calendar, contacts & tasks
On-prem, cloud or hybrid deployment options
Support for standard protocols (IMAP, SMTP, CalDAV)
Advanced security & compliance tools
Mobile device synchronization

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Zimbra Collaboration hard to install?

The Community Edition can be installed via packages or Docker images; basic setup is manageable, but on-prem enterprise deployment may need sysadmin expertise for optimal security and configuration.

? Is it a good alternative to Microsoft 365?

Yes—Zimbra offers similar groupware features with self-hosting for privacy and control, making it ideal for teams prioritizing data ownership over cloud-based proprietary solutions.

? Is it completely free?

The Community Edition is free and open-source, but the Network Edition (with advanced features like multi-server clustering and 24/7 support) requires a paid license.

Top Alternatives

Microsoft 365 Search Google

Google Workspace Search Google

IBM Notes Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source (Community Edition) | Paid (Network Edition)

Category Groupware

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused self-hosted data ownership
⊕ Scalable for small teams to enterprise organizations
⊕ Compatible with popular email clients (Thunderbird, Outlook)
⊕ Free open-source Community Edition available

Cons

⊖ Technical expertise required for on-prem enterprise setup
⊖ Paid edition needed for advanced features (backup, 24/7 support)
⊖ Steeper admin learning curve vs consumer-grade tools