email proxy servers, who has used them?

[imported_GLO]

I am looking to set up a proxy e-mail server that permits the users on the local net to send each other e-mails without an internet connection. Naturally non local email addresses still need to be sent out over the internet.

I know that if i host a mail server at home this could be done but i am specifically looking for something that will operate much like a local proxy server that will deliver content that is already on the proxy server. Thus if an small group of email addresses are sent out via the proxy server, it will route that email directly to the PC on the local network and not go via the internet. All other external emails will continue via the internet.

I have a couple of users at home and a handful around the world, so if i was to set up a proper mail server at home and my connection goes down, then all external users cant access their email. Plus my ISP wont permit me to run a full mail server at home.

Thanks for any comments and suggestions.

 

[RebateMonger]

Email servers won't send email through the Internet if the recipients are on the local network. I know Exchange Server doesn't, but I can't imagine any of them would go through the Internet when the recipient is sitting in the next room. You don't need an Internet connection to run an internal-only mail server.

 

[imported_GLO]

foudn a program called JanaServer2.

Looks interesting to say the least. Anyone around here used or tried it?

 

[NuroMancer]

I'm sure one of the guys will correct me if I am wrong,

A) if a local user send a message to a local user, it shouldn't go external.

B) In your DNS you should be able to set it up such that if Your IP address is not connected, it will send to it another server which will gab it untill it can contact the main mail server again.

 

[nweaver]

you are confused....

you cannot have internal, private email (no DNS name registered) AND be able to send mail from that out to the internet.

wait...

So you are looing for user1@gmail.com to not have to hit the gmail mail servers sending email to user2@yahoo.com, because user2 is on the same local area network?

not possible. What you should do is setup an email server and purchase a domain name. Zimbra is a good free option, that isn't too hard to set up.