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I currently have a 2GB RAM windows server 2012 which is has IIS and SMTP installed on there. Now I seen alot of people leave SMTP out on the webserver and buy a server just dedicated to handle the emails (SMTP server).

Now at this time I wont be having alot of traffic going in and out so I dont think it is wise to make such actions yet, is this correct?

If yes, at what point is it best to split the two servers up and dedicate a server just for emailing or at least split it off with the main web server.

Regards

James Lee
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1 Answers1

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Unless you have a high volume of email you shouldn't need a dedicated email server.

It is common to dedicate a domain name like smtp.example.com or mail.example.com to email. This can co-exist on the same server as the web service using the www.example.com domain. Use of dedicated domains in this manner is a sign of professionalism.

A few things you should consider:

  • Your mail server needs a static IP address. If you have a dynamic IP address, use your provider's (ISP's) relay server to send mail.
  • Your mail server's PTR record should match the domain your mail server uses.
  • You should have an A record for the domain your mail server uses.
  • rDNS (reverse DNS) validation should succeed for the mail server's IP address. (It will if the previous two rules are implemented.)
  • An SPF record allowing your mail domain to send email from its IP address should exist.
  • An SPF record preventing your web domain to send email should exist.
  • An SPF record allowing your mail server to send email for your domain should exist.
BillThor
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