Smooth Server Migration Simplified: Learn What, When, and How

When your website or application keeps changing or growing to the extent that it needs more resources, server migration becomes an inevitable process for you. Meaning, you will have to consider it at one or another point. Thus, getting familiar with server migration and the steps required to migrate a server will help you plan a solid strategy and avoid any mistakes down the road.

What does server migration mean?

Server migration means moving your critical data from one server to another and configuring the new server so that it can replace the previous server without causing any complications.

When the term server migration is discussed in the context of web hosting, it revolves around setting up a web server and database software, copying or moving websites and their configurations, and changing the Domain Name System (DNS) so that visitors directly go to the new server instead of the previous one.

How do I know if it’s time for server migrations?

Many website and application owners don’t know when they should consider server migration, and as a result, they continue to struggle with limited resources, low website speed, and poor website functionality.

Each plan of server or web hosting is devised to meet particular needs for a website or an application. When your website or application is new, investing in a cheaper, smaller solution is a wise decision.

However, as your website or application grows or changes over time, their need for resources and ability to handle growing visitors also change.

When you happen to find that your website is not getting enough resources that it needs through the current server solution or your website performance starts degrading significantly due to speed and other factors, know that it is high time to go for server migration.

Apart from this, you can also consider server migration for the following reasons:

• To ensure that the operating system and hardware are equipped with the latest technology
• To enjoy the benefits of new technology or a better service
• To move to the cloud to enhance the flexibility and scalability of resources
• To make your server package more affordable and reduce the overall capital expenditure
• To consolidate your web hosting
• To replace the infrastructure because it has reached its end-of-life stage
• To expand and distribute hosting to minimize the load at a single point and ensure high availability of resources

Though server migrations may seem easy on the surface, it must be handled carefully. When stuck with the wrong server solution, you will not only waste your time, effort, and money but will also experience downtime and a significant decrease in profits.

Choosing the right server solution requires thoughtful planning. Thus, it is important to know the steps that make server migration successful.

Steps for Successful Server Migrations  

Prepare Your New Server

All of your website/application data must reside properly and in the right place on your server. For that, you will need to properly size the new server and prepare it for incoming data and digital assets. You must ensure that the services and packages that your site requires are already available and installed in the new server environment.

When migrating, build in around 20 percent extra storage space so that your website will have extra room to install and process data that is being migrated and the data that will be created in the future over time.

Evaluate Data Before and After Migration

Before you migrate, account for all the data and ensure it installs correctly after the migration. Missing even a small portion of data can cause complications later. Take time to identify essential parts of your site, and note any areas that interact with other services. For example, incorrect plugin or theme installations can disrupt multiple pages. A solid data governance plan can streamline the process and enhance safety.

Data Transfer Process

With your new server ready and data secured, it’s time to transfer the data. Data transfer is usually the most time-consuming step. Faster transfer speeds often come with higher bandwidth. To avoid data loss or accidental additions, consider freezing your website during the transfer.

Testing to Ensure Success

Once the data is fully transferred, thoroughly test the new server. Rigorous testing helps identify unforeseen issues and verifies the effectiveness of your migration strategies. It ensures your new server is functioning properly.

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DNS Change and Going Live

Once testing is complete and everything works well, switch your DNS to direct traffic to the new server. Perform this step during off-peak hours (e.g., nighttime or weekends) to minimize disruption. Keep the old server running for a while as a backup to ensure you can resolve any unforeseen problems.

Author: AJ

As a passionate blogger, I'm thrilled to share my expertise, insights, and enthusiasm with you. I believe that technical knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. That's why I take the time to craft detailed, well-researched content that's easy to follow, even for non-tech. I love hearing from you, answering your questions, and learning from your experiences. Your feedback helps me create content that's tailored to your needs and interests