The Host5 Move

As I mentioned in earlier posts, I'm planning on moving all clients from Host5 onto a brand new server in a different datacenter. The reason is because I feel Host5 isn't in a very stable environment right now.

I just secured a new server and tomorrow (Saturday) we will start the Cpanel and SSL installs along with account migration from Host5.

On Sunday we're planning on changing over the DNS so all client sites from Host5 start coming up on the new box, which will be called Host8.

By Monday, provided there are no surprises, we should have all clients from Host5 on a new server.

By the way, I'm really looking forward to working with the new server as it's our most powerful one yet. It's a Dual Xeon 3.0 Ghz with two, 200GB RAID hard drives. This allows data from the first drive to be automatically synched with the second drive, ensuring lack of downtime as a result of hard drive failure. We'll also be loading up Cpanel with Fantastico, a client favorite (more on that later).

Regarding the move, I came up with 10 things to keep in mind....

1) Try not to make any changes to your website over the weekend. The backup we make of your website on Saturday will be what everyone sees on Monday. If you do publish changes over the weekend, you may need to republish on Monday.

4) You may see some duplicate emails from the weekend. The backup may include some emails you've already retrieved. This is normal.

5) You will get more spam during this transition. In order to maintain email flow, your spam filter will be removed for a short period of time while we adjust your filter to a new server.

6) Host5 will remain online along with Host8 for a couple weeks. This means you will have the ability to retrieve any files or emails from the old server in the event they did not transfer.

7) Once your site is running off the new server it is very important to verify all your files were transferred. Our techs will be standing by to repair any sites that need attention as a result of the transfer.

8) Most sites will transfer smoothly. Those with many customizations, databases, scripts, etc. may require some troubleshooting by our techs.

9) Have a backup of your website. It is always a good idea, regardless of the circumstances, to have a copy of your own website.

10) Have a plan to re-publish your site, if needed. If you don't know how to publish your own website, be sure to have someone standing by who does. I'm not saying you will need them for this move, but if you do, you won't have a crisis at the last minute.

I will have more updates as this move progresses...

Anthony
Web Feat
http://www.webfeatworks.com/

Support: http://www.webfeatsupport.com/