Scripted, Upgradeable Docker Image for Postal

Freelancer Job Requirement – Scripted, Upgradable Portable Postal Docker Image Project Overview We are implementing Postal (self-hosted email server) and require a fully self-contained Docker image. This solution must include Postal, MariaDB, and configuration files within the image so it can run identically on a Windows 11 workstation (Docker Desktop + VS Code) and on a cloud server (Oracle Cloud or any Linux host). Requirements & Deliverables Scripted Build Approach You must provide scripts (e.g., Bash, PowerShell, or cross-platform) that automate the building of the Docker image, managing dependencies, Postal setup, and database initialization. The process should allow rebuilding the image as new Postal releases come out, with minimal manual intervention. Docker Image Specifications Postal application, MariaDB, and all configs stored inside the image. No external data volumes, bind mounts, or post-deploy/init scripts required. Upgradability & Data Persistence The container must support updates to newer Postal releases without degrading or overwriting existing data and settings. Docker upgrade workflow should be clearly documented; typically, this involves keeping a persistent data layer inside the image, with a built-in migration/backup-restore step. Local and Cloud Deployments Must build, run, and test successfully on a Windows 11 workstation using VS Code and Docker Desktop. Must deploy and run identically on Oracle Cloud or any Linux-based server. Reproducibility & Portability The entire build and upgrade process should be deterministic, scripted, and documented. Optional Reporting on or exporting db/config data for backups is a plus. Goals Single image and script set: Build locally, deploy on any host. Automated, script-driven build and upgrade process for Postal releases. Zero external setup or dependencies post-docker run. Existing data and config must persist safely through upgrades. Ideal Freelancer Looking for a Docker and scripting expert who: Has built fully scripted, upgradable, self-contained Docker environments (including application + database). Is skilled with cross-platform scripting (e.g., Bash + Powershell). Understands Docker data persistence and upgrade best practices. Has experience running Docker on Windows 11 (with VS Code) and on Linux-based cloud platforms (Oracle Cloud experience is a plus). (Bonus) Familiarity with Postal or similar email servers. Final Deliverable A script-based build system that produces a Docker image containing Postal, MariaDB, and all configs, with full instructions. Image and process verified on Windows 11 (Docker Desktop + VS Code) and Linux/Oracle Cloud. An upgrade process and documentation for safely updating to new Postal releases while preserving data and settings. Application Instructions Please share: Example projects with Docker, upgradeable containers, and script automation. Experience with Windows 11/Docker Desktop builds. An estimated timeline and any challenges you anticipate. (If possible) A high-level outline of your approach to persistence and upgrades.

Project ID: 39718421