01 · Compute
A right-sized server foundation
Select VPS or dedicated resources based on services, expected usage, storage, and provider constraints. Linux distributions can include Ubuntu or AlmaLinux where appropriate.
Your systems. Your control. Built to work together.
A dependable stack is more than a server. We connect compute, networking, private email, security, and recovery into infrastructure your team can operate with confidence.
Linux
Mailcow
Docker
Cloudflare
Nginx
A connected stack
Infrastructure overview
Compute and operating system
VPS or dedicated capacity · Linux
Network and access
DNS · TLS · firewall · controlled access
Private email
Mailcow · mail DNS
Applications
Docker · Nginx
Operations and recovery
Updates · monitoring options · tested restore plan
Components are selected and scoped for each environment; not every deployment uses every layer.
The architecture
Each layer has a clear responsibility.
We choose components to fit the workload, keep dependencies visible, and document how the pieces connect.
02 · Network
DNS and traffic routing
Map domains to the right services, configure TLS and reverse proxy routing, and coordinate provider-specific IP and reverse-DNS settings when available.
03 · Email
Private mail with aligned DNS
Run Mailcow in a Docker-based environment and configure mail routing and authentication records such as MX, SPF, DKIM, and DMARC.
04 · Workloads
Services kept manageable
Use Docker and Compose for suitable workloads, with Nginx or another agreed proxy handling application routing and HTTPS configuration.
05 · Security
Reduce unnecessary exposure
Apply least-access principles, firewall rules, secure administration practices, and service-level protections suited to the system and its operators.
06 · Recovery
Plan for restore, not just backup
Define what needs protection, where backups belong, and how recovery should work. Retention, restore testing, and monitoring are scoped to the engagement.
Security by design
Protect the management plane and the services it runs.
Security is a set of practical controls, not a single product. We review how administrators connect, which ports services need, how updates are applied, and how recovery access is maintained.
Explore infrastructure servicesAdministrative access
Limit access to approved operators and use secure authentication and connection practices.
Network boundaries
Expose only the ports required by the intended services and keep internal components private where possible.
Maintenance and change
Plan updates and configuration changes so their impact and rollback considerations are understood.
Recovery readiness
Keep backup access and restore steps in the operational plan, not only in a provider dashboard.
An example stack—not a one-size-fits-all template.
A deployment might combine Linux, Docker, Mailcow, Cloudflare DNS, and a reverse proxy. Hardware, provider, network design, and operational requirements determine the final layout.
- Provider and operating system selected for the workload
- Mail DNS kept distinct from web proxy configuration
- Access, backups, and support expectations agreed with you
Infrastructure you can understand and own.
A good handover makes the design useful after implementation. Documentation is scoped to the work and can cover the system layout, key configuration decisions, and routine operating steps.
Architecture overview
Service inventory
Operational notes
Recovery considerations
Common questions
Infrastructure, explained
Which hosting provider or server size do I need?
It depends on your applications, traffic, storage, email requirements, and provider constraints. We can review those needs and recommend an appropriately scoped option rather than assume a fixed configuration.
Can Cloudflare proxy my email server?
Standard Cloudflare proxying is for supported web traffic, not ordinary SMTP mail delivery. Mail-related DNS records need to point to the mail service appropriately; the exact setup depends on your provider and services.
Do you guarantee email inbox placement or zero downtime?
No infrastructure provider can guarantee inbox placement or uninterrupted service in every circumstance. We can configure and review the relevant systems and records, while outcomes also depend on provider networks, recipient policies, sending practices, and other external factors.
How are backups and recovery handled?
Backup scope, storage location, retention, and restore expectations should match the data and recovery needs. We agree these details as part of the design; backup availability alone does not guarantee a successful recovery.
Can you assess or improve an existing setup?
Yes. We can discuss an existing environment, identify the areas you want help with, and agree a review or change scope before any implementation.
Let’s design around the systems your team actually needs.
Tell us what you are running today, what is getting in the way, or what you want to build next.
Talk to an infrastructure specialist