Email marketing hosted on own server?

I have an idea I would like to implement, but want to know if something like this exists or if anyone would actually be interested in using it.

Basically, it's an email marketing tool that collects emails and lets you send to your list, pretty basic stuff a lot of other services do. The only difference is all the data is stored in MySql databases on the users server. So, minus the cost of hosting, the Service would be free. I realize that services like are rather cheap and probably a bit more reliable, but i figure someone just getting started could use this and transfer the list later once they get a full fledged service. At the very least I had fun making it so no harm done if this is a dumb idea.

At this point I have the basics done, can send/receive emails unsubscribe ect. But I've run into a few features that I want to add but am unsure how to implement them. I was hoping for a little advice.

1. I see all the major providers of these services talk about their high deliverability. Now, I've never had any problems sending mail from my server, but I assume I might if I'm sending out say a few hundred. What are some steps to take to make sure my emails get delivered.

2. I also want to impenetrable some sort of tracking. I reas two ways to do it, either via hearers or a transparent image. Neither of these seem to great though, is there any other options.


I apprecite any advice on my current plan or anyother pitfalls I might run into. I started this just for fun, but I'm hoping to be able to release it as open source if it becomes stable enough.