# EE: Use a Remote MySQL/MariaDB server as backend database

Since iRedMail Enterprise Edition v1.6.0 ("EE" for short), EE supports using a remote MySQL or MariaDB server as backend database.

This can be done during initial setup, not after.

## Requirements

- A working remote MySQL or MariaDB server.
  - A valid ssl cert for secure connection on server side is highly recommended for security concern.
- iRedMail server must be running one of below Linux/BSD distributions and releases:
  - CentOS Stream 10 or later
  - Rocky 10 or later
  - AlmaLinux 10 or later
  - Debian 13 or later
  - Ubuntu 24.04 or later
  - OpenBSD 7.8 or later
- Network latency of SQL connection between iRedMail server and remote SQL server should NOT be longer than 20 ms. Long latency causes bad performance and user experience.

## Initial Setup

During initial setup, you can choose to use a remote MySQL or MariaDB server as backend database to store mail accounts and application data.

## Post-install management

After initial setup, you can manage parameters of remote MySQL/MariaDB server.

- Login to EE as global admin
- Click `Server Settings` -> `Remote MySQL Server`

Notes:

- SQL root password is hidden and not transferred on network due to security concern.
- You can still click button `Test Connection` to test connection to remote SQL server.
- If you need to update SQL root password, please click the `Update` button, it will show you an input box, input the new password and click `Save Changes` to update it.

## See Also

- Install iRedMail Enterprise Edition
- Best Practice
- ChangeLog of iRedMail Enterprise Edition