NTIS

Server Component Overview

The Zimbra Server is comprised of many components working together as a complete end-to-end solution. The core server is written using Sun Java technology, Apache Tomcat is used for the web application server. The server integrates with several other installed systems such as the MTA, databases, and security package (see below).
The message transfer agent (MTA) routes mail messages to the appropriate Zimbra Server; this service is based on the widely popular Postfix MTA. Integrated into ZCS via the Postfix MTA is also a complete anti-spam / anti-virus security solution (ClamAV, SpamAssassin and more). The MTA can easily integrate with additional upstream edge MTA’s (3rd party AS/AV solutions such as Barracuda).

Also included in the solution are several data stores for end-user information: OpenLDAP provides user authentication, MySQL handles all preference and message-meta data, and the local Linux or Mac file system is used for physical message storage. Note: Zimbra Server can easily use Microsoft ActiveDirectory as an alternate directory service instead of OpenLDAP (this is ideal for mix-mode deployments).

The Zimbra Server also features powerful index and search engine built with Lucene. It allows end-users and administrators alike to quickly search cross-folder for message meta data and body content located on the server. An addition component available in ZCS Network Edition is the ability to convert over 200 attachments types to HTML for easy viewing (using Verity).

Additional feature components available in ZCS Network Edition Server include full Archiving and Discovery, High Availability /Clustering (available for Red Hat only), plus extensions for running Zimbra Mobile and the native Zimbra Outlook and Apple connectors. Each of these systems works without the need for installing an additional server – they are enabled as part of the core ZCS system.

Find out more about the Zimbra Server platform.