MDaemon is an email server for Windows that lets an organization run its own mail service, manage user accounts and control how messages pass through its domains. It provides SMTP, POP3 and IMAP services alongside browser-based email, shared calendars and administrative tools. The server can run on the organization’s physical or virtual infrastructure, while hosted services are offered separately.
Mail routing
MDaemon handles mail for user accounts and distribution lists. Address aliases send messages addressed to alternative names to an existing mailbox or list, allowing several addresses to reach the same destination. A mailing list can include both local users and external recipients. Administrators control subscriptions, choose whether replies go to the list or the original sender, and offer digest delivery that groups messages together.
MDaemon collects mail addressed to a gateway domain in a domain mailbox, where another mail server or client can retrieve it for distribution. This also allows MDaemon to act as a backup mail server for another domain rather than hosting every recipient’s mailbox itself.
Filtering mail at the server
The content filter applies rules to incoming and outgoing mail. Depending on the message content, it can add or remove headers, append a footer, strip an attachment or send a copy to another user.
MDaemon also provides spam filtering, DNS block lists and controls for screening addresses, hosts and IP connections. SPF, DKIM and DMARC support adds email authentication controls. Antivirus scanning is a paid add-on: it examines messages and attachments and can clean or delete infected messages before delivery, with notifications to selected parties.
Mail archives
Built-in archiving retains incoming and outgoing messages independently of normal mailbox use. An administrator can archive across the server or by domain and set access according to users, groups, senders or recipients.
Users can search archives through MDaemon Webmail, including searches for attachment filenames, or access them through IMAP. Archived messages can be moved into a mailbox or exported as .MSG files. Administrators can also browse the archive through the Queue and Statistics Manager.
MDaemon Webmail and Instant Messenger
MDaemon Webmail is included with the server and gives users browser access to their messages. It supports composing and spell-checking messages, organizing mail in personal folders and managing contacts. Calendars and tasks can be shared with other users, so appointments and work items remain part of the organization’s mail environment.
Internal messaging is available through MDaemon Instant Messenger and compatible XMPP clients. Staff can exchange chat messages, use chat rooms and share files alongside their email work.
Client synchronization
Standard mail clients can connect to MDaemon, while optional components add broader collaboration. The separately licensed MDaemon Connector for Outlook connects Outlook with server email, calendars, contacts, distribution lists, tasks and notes. Users can share calendars and other items through permission levels, access public folders and check free/busy information when arranging meetings.
The ActiveSync add-on has its own license and synchronizes email, calendars, contacts and tasks with compatible devices. It supports shared and multiple folders as well as server-side mail searches and global address lookup. Administrators can apply device policies, maintain device allow and block lists, and issue remote wipe commands. The available functions depend on the connecting device’s ActiveSync support.
Server administration
MDaemon’s browser-based Remote Administration lets administrators manage server settings away from the server console. It can also expose selected account settings to users; permissions determine which settings each account may change. LDAP and Active Directory integration offer alternatives to maintaining accounts solely in MDaemon’s local database.
Mail-flow information and colorized protocol logs help trace delivery and connection problems. Account security controls include password policies, two-factor authentication, brute-force detection and hijacked-account detection. For service providers hosting customer domains, MDaemon Private Cloud is a separate edition with per-user monthly licensing, domain branding and per-domain reporting.
