Migrations 101

Migration WebsitemoversSuccessful website, application and data migrations are the result of consistent processes being executed by experienced technicians, supported by seamless communication with the client project team.

It is extremely important to realize that no two websites and applications are exactly alike. Every migration presents a unique (and often complex!) set of variables. Should you attempt an in-house migration, the best option is do so with your original developers. Just make sure they have some server-level experience with actual migrations (not just 'launches'), or you may encounter a new set of problems you never faced before!

Send us an email request for a complimentary instructive document to help you prepare for your migration.

The following best practices should be clearly understood prior to undertaking any server migration project:

Before The Migration

  • Make sure your source (current) server has enough storage and processing capacity to support a full copy procedure of all your data and files
  • Ensure your destination (new) server is properly configured (OS, application & database versions, etc.) to support functionality of your website(s), applications and any third-party services you require
  • You'll need root access for dedicated servers, or a stable (and preferably fast) FTP and/or RDP connection for shared or virtual server moves - VPN connections are not advised for server migrations
  • If you have databases, you will likely need a separate user login and password for them
  • If you have customized applications, make sure you have full access to all source code or you may not be able to move and properly reconfigure them at the destination server
  • You'll need access to your DNS administration services
  • If you need to migrate existing email data, make sure that the destination email server is fully compatible with the source email server - email migrations can be quite labor-intensive and the existing data may not completely migrate, so make sure to diligently plan for and inform your users about all the variables inherent with an email data migration

During The Migration

  • It is extremely important to refrain from making any changes whatsoever to your 'live' site files and applications - database activity is fine as long as you remember to synchronize the data files immediately prior to pointing DNS to the destination server
  • Make sure to check and modify, if necessary, all configurations and connection strings at the destination server in order to restore your services prior to testing
  • You'll need to be able to modify the hosts file on your local client computer to test the migrated site(s) and applications via local IP at your destination server
  • When you have completed all testing and resolved any errors, briefly suspend new activity at the source server database and synchronize the databases (if necessary) immediately prior to pointing DNS - be aware that propagation time varies so make sure to accommodate this variable
  • If email data records are being migrated, instruct your email users to 'pull email' from the source server as often as possible during the migration, and be very prompt after DNS is pointed in reconfiguring their local email client with the new destination mail server settings

After The Migration

  • Make sure to maintain the live site at the previous source server for at least 10 (ten) days after completing the migration and pointing DNS, so that if an error arises in the new destination environment you have a reference point for which to identify and resolve the issue
  • If you've not done so already, now is a very good time to create a 'full' backup of all your site files, applications and databases and store this media at a location remote to your new hosting provider
  • If your website relies on search engines and/or web marketing programs which index your URL's, make sure to setup 301 redirects so that your site visitors don't access an unavailable page on your former server

At WebSiteMovers.com, we realize a migration can seem intimidating if you've not tackled one before. If you need your migration performed by the industry leading experts, simply let WebSiteMovers.com Move It for you.

We've migrated over 1 million unique domains, so you can rest assured that we'll be able to handle yours efficiently and cost-effectively. Contact us today and we'll have your sites and applications moved before you can say 'migrate'!