In the previous article, we looked at email forwarding via Cloudflare as a great starting point for using email on your own domain. But if you need a full-featured email inbox with storage, calendar, and cloud tools, you might consider business-grade mail services from major providers.

Full-Featured Mail Services for Your Domain

Big players like Yandex and Mail.ru offer business email solutions (e.g., Yandex Mail 360 for Business, VK WorkMail by Mail.ru). These allow you to connect your own domain and get powerful, familiar interfaces with your company’s branding. Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) is another popular option, but it may be harder to access for businesses in Russia due to current restrictions.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:

  • Rich feature set: Besides email, you often get cloud storage, calendars, online document editors, messengers, and other tools for teamwork.
  • Security and reliability: Major providers offer strong spam and virus protection and maintain stable infrastructures.
  • Ease of use: User-friendly and familiar interfaces help teams adapt quickly.
  • Scalability: Easily add more users as your business grows.
  • Support: Qualified tech support is usually available.

• Cons:

  • Cost: These services are usually paid. Pricing depends on the number of users and the selected plan.
  • Vendor lock-in: Your email and data are hosted by a third party, meaning limited control if service terms change or outages occur.
  • Customization limits: Even with a wide feature set, there can be restrictions on custom integrations or specific settings you may need.

Free or Trial Options

Some providers offer free basic plans for a small number of users or trial periods. However, for full functionality, you’ll likely need a paid plan. Be sure to read the terms, as free tiers may have serious limitations in storage or user count.

Required Skills and Complexity

• Skills: Basic understanding of DNS (setting MX records), and ability to use the provider’s admin panel.
• Difficulty: Medium. Initial setup involves a few steps but is usually well-documented. Once configured, day-to-day use is very straightforward.

Choosing a corporate email service from a trusted provider strikes a balance between rich functionality, reliability, and ease of use, making it a solid option for small businesses ready to grow.