How to plan for server migrations
The truth is that server migration really does come with its challenges, but there’s nothing you can’t overcome with careful planning.
Here are a few things to look out for and to take steps to deal with:
Changes which depend on third parties (i.e. externally hosted DNS)
Testing of new environments
Ensuring data consistency (especially for larger migrations)
Ensuring compatibility of new versions of applications and new hosting environments
Avoiding mistakes (remember that automation can reduce human error)
If you want to give yourself the best possible chance of successfully migrating to a new server, you’ll want to make a full server migration plan to map out everything that could possibly go wrong.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll need to figure out what to do if that actually happens.
Luckily, the benefits of moving to a new server usually outweigh the challenges that you’ll face along the way.
Better still, if you partner with a webhost who takes the time to understand your business, they’ll be able to guide you through the process.
Administrators have two main options when it comes to moving.
Option #1: One at a Time
If there are no major deadlines for the server migration then moving sites one at a time can offer the most flexible approach.
But this does come with its disadvantages, including the fact that it can be so time consuming.
This method relies on simply moving sites one at a time, allowing you to phase the migration and to test along the way.
You can learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them, but you’ll also need to stick to the migration protocol and keep accurate records along the way.
Remember, the people performing the migration are still likely to end up working on multiple sites at the same time while they wait for client approval, test results and DNS propagation, and this increases the risk of mistakes being made or of steps being skipped accidentally.
Option #2: All At Once
This option relies on moving everything in one swoop, and it’s a bit like ripping a plaster off.
You might spend a couple of days putting out fires, but it saves you the trouble of working on a long, drawn out project to slowly switch servers.
This approach is frightening – especially if you’re hosting multiple sites on the same server – and it’s also fraught with danger by its very nature.
But despite that, it’s often worth doing – especially if you’re working to a deadline or if you’re under pressure to get the job done.
All at once migrations are particularly common if you’re switching server setups but keeping the same provider, because it often allows you to keep the same IP address, reducing delays and forwarding errors at the DNS level.
Ultimately, this type of migration is usually riskier than moving sites one at a time, but it can also save time and reduce disruption over a long-term period.
Three steps to server migration
By now, you should know why server migration is necessary and what types of approach you can take once you’re ready to get stuck in.
Now you’re ready to get started, which is why we’re sharing our three-step approach to server migration.
Let’s go.
Step #1: Analysis and consultation
When it comes to web hosting, there’s no such thing as a “one size fits all” approach. Every single site has unique requirements.
That’s why you should work closely with your new webhost to identify potential issues.
A good host will ask questions like:
What kind of content are you hosting?
Do you use a CMS (e.g. WordPress, Joomla), static content (such as HTML and images) or something else?
Are you hosting an ecommerce site?
Will your emails be hosted on the same server?
How much traffic are you expecting to receive?
What level of resources does your current server consume (in terms of CPU, RAM, MySQL queries, etc.)?
Do you need a control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk) to manage your services?
Are you running any custom scripts or software?
What software versions are you running?
Step #2: Migration begins
You can start to migrate your websites just as soon as your new hosting plan is in place.
Many hosts can offer panel-to-panel migrations for both cPanel and Plesk, which can take away a lot of the hassle by making sure that you’re familiar with your new setup.
Cross-Panel Migrations
Some hosts can even carry out cross-panel migrations, such as from Plesk to cPanel, although this often incurs an extra fee because of the manpower needed.
On top of that, it’s not always perfect – we’d caution against it unless it’s absolutely necessary.
Most migrations start out with a full backup, just in case something goes wrong.
After that, most hosts will ask for the following:
Working credentials for the current data at the old location
Full root access (for dedicated or VPS setups)
Access to the panel, as well as FTP (for shared hosting)
Step #3: Auditing and validating
A lot of people will lie and tell you that there are only two steps to migration.
We can see the appeal – it’s easy to think that once you’ve copied the files over, you’re good to go.
Unfortunately, that’s just not the case.
Some webhosts will simply copy the files, mark your ticket as “done”, take the money and run.
This is one of the common themes of the horror stories that you’ll see across the net, but it isn’t a fair representation of hosting as a whole.
The best webhosts want to make sure that everything is working properly. You can try to test it yourself, but it’s not recommended unless you’ve got the expertise to do it properly.
Still, if you’re brave enough to give it a go, have no fear.
We’re happy to help out, which is why we’re sharing some of the server migration checklists that we use when working with our clients.
Server migration checklists
Validation Checklist
Set the hosts file to locally load services
Check to see if all required services are functioning
Check your site for 404 errors, 500 errors, PHP warnings, etc.
Update all server software to the latest version
Tune LAMP performance (Apache, MySQL, PHP)
Test the cron
Check email deliverability and email records (DKIM, SPF, etc.)
Verify mail is synced (i.e. that all messages are there and all contacts have been migrated)
Check backups are still working
Security Checklist
Audit firewall configuration
Identify and implement non-standard security requirements
Restrict access where appropriate
Implement programs to educate staff
Ensure setup is compliant with all protocols
Configuration Checklist
Analyse configurations of both old and new hosting environments
Configure web server modules (i.e. suexec, mod_php, mod_perl, mod_ssl, etc.)
Identify shared libraries and other code/program dependencies
Set up SSL certificates
Create fresh (or import existing) configuration files
Import databases
Fine-tune server performance
Check and reconfigure applications that connect from remote sources
User Account Checklist
Migrate user accounts and passwords
Consider forcing password reset on next login
Purge old/inactive accounts
File System Checklist
Ensure all files copied over
Check that permissions are correct
Crawl website to identify 404 not found errors
Final Check Checklist
Were all of the issues addressed during migration?
Was the migration painless? If not, what went wrong?
Are you happy with your new server?
What else (if anything) needs doing?
Almost done. Lets talk about DNS.
It’s time – your files have been migrated and you’re all set up and ready to go on your new server.
Now it’s time to update your DNS to point users towards the data and files on your new server.
Remember that DNS updates can take 24-48 hours to fully propagate across the globe, although many European and North American areas take mere minutes or hours.
But ultimately, a short delay is a small price to pay for a stronger server.
Final takeaways
No setup lasts forever and so server migrations are inevitable eventually – if your business is strong enough to survive the test of time.
Server migration doesn’t need to cause a headache, although there are plenty of potholes in store if you don’t know what you’re doing.
That’s why you need to weigh up the pros and cons and to make an informed decision before you make a commitment.
Speaking of commitments, the best webhosts will be more than happy to invest some time up front to help you to settle into your new environment.
You’ll want to look for a company that has both the infrastructure and the expertise to help you to set up a new home, not just for your current site but for iterations to come.
And if you’re struggling to handle it all, don’t worry. We’ll be more than happy to help!
Still have questions? No problem! We’re always happy to talk, so be sure to get in touch.
