Migration and Propagation Business

The overly dramatic process of transferring our Online Empire to a new server and then back again manifests several valuable lessons. Please look back your note and observe the following suggestions during any future server migration and/or domain propagation events…

Server Migration

• Backup everything and take notes throughout the migration process.
• Always take plenty of time to research the new host before signing up.
• Contact the host before signup. Ask questions. Submit tickets. Test ’em!
• Check the speed of the new host before signup.
• After signup, check out the server, options, configuration, tutorials, etc.
• Don’t spend time working on the new server until you are 100% satisfied.
• Do not cancel service with your previous host until you are 100% satisfied with the new host.

Domain Propagation

• Update the DNS for each of your domains.
• After switching, don’t cancel the old account until after the migration.
• Create accounts for all domains on the new server and transfer files, etc.
• Check DNS propagation (usually takes 1–72 hours).

Related Information

• Notes on Switching Servers
• Server Migration Details
• Perishable Press Server Migration
• More Server Drama
• Even More Server Drama

About the Author

Jeff Starr = Web Developer. Book Author. Secretly Important.