Summary
Selecting DMARC-friendly discussion list software for Windows shops requiring managed services involves balancing various factors. LISTSERV (L-Soft) is consistently highlighted for mission-critical needs, robustness, and historical significance, with built-in DMARC support via VERP, DKIM, and ARC. Sympa is a viable open-source alternative if properly configured with DKIM and header rewriting. While Google Groups and hosted Mailman are options for non-Linux environments, they require careful configuration to address DMARC issues, particularly with forwarding. Mailman 2's header rewriting is imperfect, whereas Mailman 3 offers improvements. Implementing ARC or SRS is generally recommended to mitigate DMARC failures due to message modifications. It's essential to determine if a dedicated domain is feasible and to consider the trade-offs between header rewriting, ARC, and SRS. Solutions like Mailjet and Sendinblue offer managed services with pre-configured DMARC and deliverability features. RFC8314 outlines security best practices, and a reverse DNS setup is crucial for avoiding rejections. SRS should be avoided and ARC should be favoured if possible.
Key findings
- LISTSERV as a Leading Solution: LISTSERV (L-Soft) is frequently recommended as a robust solution for mission-critical discussion lists, offering built-in DMARC support.
- Open-Source Alternatives: Sympa stands out as a strong open-source option but requires careful configuration for DMARC compliance.
- ARC and SRS Recommendations: ARC and SRS are commonly suggested techniques for maintaining DMARC compliance in mailing lists, particularly when dealing with message forwarding.
- From: Header Rewriting: Rewriting the From: header is a potential workaround but can have compatibility implications.
- Google Groups Challenges: Google Groups has inherent DMARC challenges and requires ARC implementation and DKIM configuration with dedicated domain to mitigate this.
- SRS should be avoided: SRS should be avoided.
Key considerations
- Open-Source vs. Managed Service: Choose between open-source solutions (Sympa, Mailman) and managed services (LISTSERV, Mailjet, Sendinblue).
- DMARC Compliance Methods: Carefully evaluate the pros and cons of implementing ARC, SRS, and From: header rewriting.
- Dedicated Domain Feasibility: Determine if using a dedicated domain for the discussion list is possible and beneficial for DMARC.
- Linux Environment Compatibility: Ensure the chosen solution is compatible with Windows environments if Linux servers are not an option.
- Security and RFC8314 Compliance: Implement security best practices and adhere to RFC8314 guidelines for secure mailing list operation.
What email marketers say
8 marketer opinions
When selecting DMARC-friendly discussion list software for Windows shops with managed service requirements, several options and considerations emerge. Mailman (version 2 and 3) can rewrite the From: header but isn't a perfect solution. Google Groups also faces DMARC challenges, particularly with forwarding, and benefits from ARC implementation and From: header rewriting. LISTSERV, Sympa, and Wildcat are also options, with LISTSERV being able to support most authentication protocols. Hosting options include Mailjet and Sendinblue. To ensure DMARC compliance, consider implementing ARC or SRS, and potentially DKIM signing with a dedicated domain.
Key opinions
- Mailman Limitations: Mailman 2's From: header rewriting is imperfect; Mailman 3 offers improved DMARC support.
- Google Groups Issues: Google Groups requires ARC implementation and From: header rewriting to mitigate DMARC problems when forwarding emails.
- Alternative Solutions: LISTSERV, Sympa, and Wildcat are viable alternatives, each with different authentication protocol support.
- Hosting Services: Mailjet and Sendinblue provide hosted mailing list services with DMARC and deliverability configurations.
- ARC/SRS Importance: Implementing ARC or SRS is crucial for mailing lists to pass DMARC authentication, especially with strict DMARC policies.
Key considerations
- Open Source vs. Managed: Evaluate whether an open-source solution like Sympa or a managed service is preferred.
- Authentication Protocols: Consider which authentication protocols (SPF, DKIM, ARC, SRS) are supported by the software.
- Dedicated Domain: Using a dedicated domain for the discussion list can improve DMARC compliance and deliverability.
- Header Rewriting: Understand the implications and potential drawbacks of rewriting the From: header.
- Windows Shop Requirements: Ensure the chosen solution is compatible with a Windows environment and offers adequate support.
Marketer view
Email marketer from Reddit suggests configuring DMARC for Google Groups can be tricky, especially with forwarding. He recommends using a dedicated domain for the groups and enabling DKIM signing for that domain.
24 Mar 2025 - Reddit
Marketer view
Email marketer from G2 recommends evaluating LISTSERV, Google Groups, or Groups.io for mailing list management, citing the need to check on DMARC and security issues.
12 May 2025 - G2
What the experts say
8 expert opinions
When selecting DMARC-friendly discussion list software, L-Soft (LISTSERV) is highlighted as a robust, mission-critical option with a long history. Mailman is presented as a less modern alternative. If Linux is not an option, LISTSERV, Google Groups, or hosted Mailman are suggested. Modern platforms like Sympa and Discourse exist, but hosting options are unclear. Addressing DMARC failures caused by forwarders requires rewriting the From address or using ARC, with SRS being a less desirable solution. Mailing list administrators are encouraged to resolve SPF failures to improve DMARC compliance, potentially through From address rewriting or ARC.
Key opinions
- L-Soft Recommendation: L-Soft (LISTSERV) is a robust choice for mission-critical lists and is presented as the 'reel-to-reel' option.
- Mailman as an Alternative: Mailman is suggested as a less modern, VHS-like, option to LISTSERV.
- Non-Linux Options: If Linux is not an option, LISTSERV, Google Groups or hosted Mailman may be the only solutions.
- DMARC Failures and Forwarding: DMARC failures from forwarding can be mitigated by rewriting the From address or using ARC.
- SPF Failure Impacts DMARC: Mailing lists should resolve SPF failures through From address rewriting or ARC.
Key considerations
- Linux Requirements: Determine if a Linux environment is acceptable or if a Windows-compatible solution is needed.
- Hosting: Consider whether to self-host or opt for a managed hosting solution.
- Modern vs. Legacy: Evaluate the trade-offs between modern platforms like Sympa and Discourse versus legacy options like LISTSERV.
- Authentication Methods: Understand and implement appropriate authentication methods, such as ARC, to address DMARC issues.
- SRS: Note that SRS is not the preferred solution for addressing DMARC failures caused by forwarders.
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks mentions Sympa, Discourse, and another solution starting with S as more modern platforms, but he doesn't know of anyone hosting them. He also names Dada Mail.
25 Sep 2023 - Email Geeks
Expert view
Expert from Email Geeks suggests L-Soft for mission-critical discussion lists.
6 Mar 2025 - Email Geeks
What the documentation says
7 technical articles
DMARC policies often cause issues with mailing lists because list servers modify messages, invalidating SPF and DKIM. Solutions include rewriting the From: header, implementing ARC, or using SRS. LISTSERV supports DMARC through VERP, DKIM, and ARC, recommending a dedicated sending domain. Sympa can be configured for DMARC compliance with DKIM and From: header rewriting. RFC8314 details secure mailing list practices, addressing spoofing and DMARC. List servers modifying content require DMARC checks and reverse DNS configuration. Setting up DKIM and DMARC helps prevent spoofing. Overall, ARC and SRS are frequently recommended to ensure DMARC compliance for mailing lists.
Key findings
- DMARC and Mailing List Incompatibilities: Mailing list modifications often break SPF and DKIM, causing DMARC failures.
- ARC/SRS as Solutions: Authenticated Received Chain (ARC) and Sender Rewriting Scheme (SRS) are common solutions for DMARC compliance in mailing lists.
- LISTSERV's DMARC Support: LISTSERV utilizes VERP, DKIM, and ARC for DMARC compliance and suggests a dedicated domain.
- Sympa's Configuration: Sympa requires configuration with DKIM and From: header rewriting to be DMARC compliant.
- RFC8314 Guidance: RFC8314 provides in-depth guidance on secure mailing lists and DMARC-related security considerations.
Key considerations
- Implementation of ARC/SRS: Decide whether to implement ARC or SRS, considering the trade-offs of each.
- From: Header Rewriting: Evaluate the implications of rewriting the From: header and potential compatibility issues.
- DKIM Configuration: Ensure DKIM signing is properly configured for the mailing list's domain.
- Reverse DNS Setup: Configure reverse DNS for the sending server to improve deliverability.
- Security Best Practices: Follow security best practices outlined in RFC8314 to minimize spoofing and other risks.
Technical article
Documentation from Oracle Help Center explains that list servers may modify content (such as footers) which requires DMARC checks to ensure messages are not rejected and authentication checks are followed. Using a reverse DNS is part of this process.
9 Aug 2024 - Oracle Help Center
Technical article
Documentation from MailChannels explains that DMARC policies can cause issues with mailing lists because the list server modifies the original message, invalidating SPF and DKIM. They recommend using a solution that rewrites the From: header or implements ARC (Authenticated Received Chain).
17 Feb 2022 - MailChannels
Are DMARC RUA and RUF tags mandatory for compliance and what are their benefits?
Can I set DMARC to reject if my domain doesn't send email?
Do DMARC and BIMI require p=reject to be present on the organizational domain?
Does DMARC guarantee emails will not be flagged as spam?
How can I use DMARC to prevent spammers from using my domain?
How do I properly set up DMARC records and reporting for email authentication?
