There are several instances when users need to migrate Zimbra to Mailcow server as a tech stack update. Since Mailcow works on the concept of containerization followed by docker. Therefore, it is compatible with any Operating system. Consequently, to provide ease in the workflow of email server management users and businesses often transfer Zimbra to Mailcow server. If you are, also finding the solution for such a conundrum then please read the complete blog content.
Transfer Zimbra to Mailcow Server Using Automated Solution
If you are seeking an automated solution for hassle-free Zimbra to Mailcow migration. Then you can use the best Zimbra Converter software. This solution is developed with advanced technology to migrate on-premises and cloud-hosted Zimbra servers. You can use this solution to selectively migrate the Zimbra server to Mailcow with the advanced filter settings options. Additionally, this solution is developed with an inbuilt Zimbra TGZ viewer to simplify the Zimbra to Mailcow migration process. Additionally, this utility can migrate Zimbra to Office 365, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, etc. Now, let’s have quick working steps of the utility to overcome your Zimbra to Mailcow transfer problem.
How to Migrate Zimbra to Mailcow Automatically? Quick Working Steps
- Initially, download the latest version of the utility from the authorized source on your PC.
- Next, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
- Then, choose the type of Zimbra server you are migrating from i.e. on-premise or cloud-hosted.
- Now, we are showcasing the steps for the On-premise Zimbra server. So, please go to the Add files options.
- Next, choose the Zimbra TGZ file from your local storage and click on the Next button.
- Then, click on the Convert button and choose the Saving option as IMAP from the list.
- After that, for selective Zimbra to Mailcow migration enable filter options accordingly.
- Finally, enter the IMAP credentials and start to migrate Zimbra to Mailcow.
Prerequisite to Transfer from Zimbra Server to Mailcow Using Gratis Approach
- Required admin access to both Zimbra and Mailcow servers.
- Ensure sufficient storage and other resources are available on the Mailcow server.
- Knowledge of running Linux commands is a must to have for using the gratis approach.
- Keep a backup of Zimbra data in case of disaster recovery.
Free Method to Migrate Zimbra to Mailcow Server with Dovecot Approach
Migrating Zimbra to Mailcow using Dovecot can be a free, simple, and cost-effective technique for users who know about running Linux commands. This process involves extracting Zimbra data in TGZ format and extracting it to access individual EML files. Next, you have to manually transfer these individual EML files to the Mailcow Maildir directory. Lastly, you have to fix all permission-related issues and Dovecot is used to reindex the mailboxes. To have a complete step-by-step tutorial for this gratis solution please read and follow the detailed working steps mentioned below.
How to Migrate from Zimbra to Mailcow Using the Free Dovecot Method?
- At the start, log in to Zimbra Admin Console and run the command mentioned below to extract Zimbra TGZ.
zmmailbox -z -m user@example.com getRestURL "//?fmt=tgz" > /path/to/backup.tgz - After that, run the command as mentioned to extract the Zimbra TGZ to individual EML files on your local storage.
tar -xvzf /path/to/backup.tgz -C /destination/path - Now, locate the Maildir directory and transfer extracted EML files to Mailcow using the command.
scp -r /extracted/emails/* user@mailcow:/var/vmail/<domain>/<username>/Maildir/cur/ Then, fix the permission by running the command as mentioned below. So, that Zimbra user data is accessible by respected Mailcow users.
chown -R vmail:vmail /var/vmail/<domain>/<username>/
chmod -R 700 /var/vmail/<domain>/<username>/- Thereafter, run the Dovecot command to reindex the mailboxes in Mailcow. This step will ensure that mailboxes are visible on the Mailcow server.
doveadm index -u user@example.com * - Finally, log in to the Mailcow server and verify that Zimbra to Mailcow migration is implemented successfully.
Limitations of Using the Dovecot Way to Migrate Zimbra to Mailcow
- The DIY approach requires lots of technical expertise in Linux commands and familiarity with Dovecot.
- The manual approach is a very time-consuming and labor-intensive task for large-scale Zimbra to Mailcow migration.
- This method does not provide any graphic user interface or error rollback mechanism to prevent errors during the transfer from Zimbra to Mailcow.
- Another major drawback of using the manual approach is that you need to carefully set permissions for each user manually.
- As the DIY approach to migrate from Zimbra server to Mailcow server is full of manual steps. So, there is the risk of human errors which may result in crucial data loss.
Which Approach is Better to Migrate Zimbra to Mailcow? Free or Automated
| Aspects | Automated Utility Method | Dovecot Approach |
| Complexity | High | Low |
| Time-Consumption | Hugh | Low |
| User Interface | Command Line Interface (CLI) | Simple Self-Explanatory GUI |
| Selectivity Migration Options | None | Advanced Filter Settings |
| Technical Expertise | Required | None |
| Scalability | Low | High |
Final Words
To conclude the blog on the topic of how to Migrate Zimbra to Mailcow server. We have discussed tried and tested techniques. Initially, we have described the automated solution along with its exemplary features and working tutorial. Thereafter, we have seen the prerequisites of using the DIY approach. Moreover, we have seen the DIY approach to transfer Zimbra to Mailcow server with the Dovecot approach. However, the DIY approach has some of its drawbacks. So, we have seen the detailed comparison of the automated approach and free dovecot approach in tabular form.