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Accepted
mikewaters
Asked: 2010-04-23 08:29:31 +0800 CST

Linux/Unix MTA with the smartest queue?

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I am looking for an MTA that will allow me (a script, really) to proactively manage its send queue in response to status codes returned by the remote servers I am delivering to.

Basically, for each mail sent I would like to be able to react to the SMTP reply code returned by the remote server, ex. '250 OK', or to any error conditions like connection timeouts.

Additionally, I would like to be able to manage the send queue moving forward based on this information, e.g. 'example.com has timed out the last 5 connection attempts, so no longer queue mail for recipients @example.com'.

I am currently using Postfix and Perl to parse its logs for this information, but I am playing a game of catchup that is prone to errors (out-of-order log entries etc.) and it's starting to get messy (some real ugly regexes ;).

I really don't want to reinvent the wheel and use some language's SMTP library; I would prefer to use a proven/fast/reliable MTA. I am however open to suggestions if what I need just isn't possible.

Thanks for your help!

email postfix exim

1 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    postfix is the closest you will get to the "smartest queue" you are looking for. it is already split nicely and very manageable.

    You may want to re-think your script to monitor files in your queue folders

    defer
bounce
active
deferred
hold

    and then have messages moved around with postsuper command?

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