How to Install Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 Open-Source Edition on CentOS 8 — Step-by-Step Guide
Zimbra Collaboration Suite is a robust and feature-rich platform designed for team collaboration, seamlessly integrating a powerful enterprise-class mail server with calendaring, contacts, and messaging functionalities. Its extensive capabilities make it a strong competitor to Microsoft Exchange, offering organizations a cost-effective and scalable alternative.
In this tutorial, we will guide you step-by-step through the installation of Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 Open-Source Edition on CentOS 8, helping you set up a reliable and efficient groupware solution for your organization.
Preparation for installation Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 OSE
First you need to make sure of the capabilities of your server. For correct operation, the developer specifies the requirements for at least 4 processor cores, 16 GB of RAM and 10 GB of hard disk space.
You also need to have a domain name and correctly configure the DNS. To do this, you need to add an A record for your mail server (change domain-name.com with your FQDN) mail.domain-name.com with the IP address of the server on which you will install Zimbra. The second record is the MX record for your domain with the value mail.domain-name.com and any priority, such as 10.
The next thing to check is the NTP client. CentOS 8 has Chrony for this, which is installed and configured by default. To check its status, run:
If it is not installed:
To check the time in the system:
To set the correct time zone:
Now you need to download the distribution. To do this, go to the official website of the developer, fill out the form and you will receive links to download Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 OSE to your email. Select one for CentOS 8 and use wget to download it.
Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 OSE installation
Install Perl to the system.
Unzip the downloaded file.
Go to the installation folder.
Run the installation script.
During the installation process, read the information and follow the instructions. The necessary Zimbra components are Core, LDAP, MTA, Proxy, Store. The Rest can be omitted.
Upon request, you also need to check that the hostname matches the domain name of your mail server, which we wrote in DNS at the beginning of the tutorial - mail.domain-name.com.
In one moment, you will see a check of the list of basic parameters. If you see lines with asterisks there, you need to configure them. In my case, the administrator password was not configured.
******* +Admin Password UNSET
To set it press 5 and then 4. When everything is done you will see:
Press ‘a’. After that, you can confirm the proposed default parameters, except for the request for configuration changes, where you need to enter a positive response:
After that, the installation process will start, and all you have to do is wait for it to finish.
When it's over you'll be able to access the Zimbra web client in your browser at mail.domain-name.com, and to the administration console at mail.domain-name.com:7071. Enter the username 'admin’ and the password you set earlier to access it.
Conclusion
Installing Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 Open-Source Edition on CentOS 8 provides your organization with a powerful and scalable groupware solution that combines email, calendaring, contacts, and collaboration tools in one platform. By carefully preparing your server environment, configuring DNS and time synchronization, and following the step-by-step installation process outlined in this guide, you ensure a smooth deployment. After installation, you’ll have access to both the user webmail interface and the administration console, enabling efficient management of your communication infrastructure. Zimbra offers a cost-effective alternative to enterprise solutions, making it ideal for businesses seeking robust collaboration capabilities with an open-source foundation.
FAQ
- Q1: What are the minimum system requirements for installing Zimbra Collaboration Suite 9 OSE?
A: The recommended minimum is 4 processor cores, 16 GB of RAM, and at least 10 GB of free disk space. - Q2: Why is DNS configuration important before installing Zimbra?
A: Correct DNS records, including the A record for your mail server and the MX record for your domain, ensure proper mail routing and help prevent email delivery issues. - Q3: What role does NTP (Network Time Protocol) play in the installation?
A: NTP ensures that the server’s time is accurate, which is critical for authentication, certificate validation, and overall system stability. - Q4: Can I customize which Zimbra components to install?
A: Yes, during installation you can choose core components such as LDAP, MTA, Proxy, and Store, and skip optional ones depending on your needs. - Q5: How do I access Zimbra after installation?
A: The user web client is accessible at http://mail.domain-name.com, and the admin console at https://mail.domain-name.com:7071. Use the admin username and password you set during installation to log in. - Q6: What should I do if I see configuration warnings during installation?
A: Pay attention to any unset parameters marked with asterisks, such as the admin password. Set these values before proceeding to ensure a successful installation.