Koozali SME Server 11.0 Released With Rocky Linux Base
The server distribution transitioned to Rocky Linux 8.10 to ensure long-term stability and support.
Updated on Oct. 2, 2026 in Data Centers
Koozali SME Server 11.0 has been released, marking a significant infrastructure shift as the project migrated its base operating system from CentOS to Rocky Linux 8.10. This latest iteration is now available for deployment.
Why it matters
The transition to Rocky Linux addresses long-term maintenance requirements, ensuring the server remains stable and supported for administrators relying on this platform. This update signals a strategic move to align the distribution with more current enterprise-grade Linux foundations.
The 11.0 release utilizes Rocky Linux 8.10 as its foundational base, replacing the aging CentOS architecture. It provides a new web interface built on the Mojolicious framework and includes a management panel specifically for Let's Encrypt certificates.
The players
Koozali
The open-source project responsible for maintaining the SME Server Linux distribution.
Terry Fage
The developer and release coordinator who oversaw the launch of version 11.0.
The details
The platform integrates a modernized web interface developed with Mojolicious, a real-time web framework that enables highly responsive interactive dashboards. Mail handling has been refined, with Postfix now managing submission while Qpsmtpd, a flexible SMTP server that handles incoming mail, remains for delivery. Qpsmtpd operates across three separate daemons and includes support for port 587, the standard port for secure email submission. The package management system has also been updated to integrate Koji, a build system for RPM-based distributions, alongside Git.
Timeline
October 2, 2026: Koozali SME Server 11.0 was officially released.
The Tech Race
This release follows the trend of distributions migrating to community-supported alternatives following the end of the CentOS Linux 8 lifecycle. By adopting Rocky Linux, the project positions itself within the current landscape of stability-focused enterprise server environments.
Administrators can now deploy the 11.0 ISO image for new installations or initiate migration to the Rocky Linux 8.10 base. This update requires familiarity with the updated interface built on the Mojolicious framework and the new configuration requirements for Postfix and Qpsmtpd.
The takeaway
The move to Rocky Linux provides a stable foundation for the platform's immediate future. Users should monitor project announcements for forthcoming patches and performance benchmarks regarding the integrated Qpsmtpd mail delivery stack.
Further reading
For broader trends in infrastructure management, see the Data Centers section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by DistroWatch.
