So, you've decided that your current host doesn't suit your needs and you
need to choose a new one. Well, don't worry - it happens all the time. Many
webmasters upgrade their hosting services once their Web sites become
popular, usually because their current hosting firm cannot provide an
effective level of scalability or technical support.
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Before you move, it's extremely important to make sure you have copies of
everything related to your site. Double-check that all content, including
Web pages, databases and scripts, are properly archived. But don't archive
your Web sites just in case you switch hosts - always back up your data at
regular intervals in case you experience unexpected data loss or hardware
failure. This will also ensure that all your data is archived and compressed
in its original directories, which is very important if you want to retain
the full-working integrity of your Web site when you move.
Once you have archived your site, make arrangements to purchase your new
hosting services. Make sure that any new solution you select includes basic
services that approximate and surpass the service you where obtaining with
your previous provider. Perform a search with our advanced search utility to
make sure the companies you are considering offer exactly what you're
looking for. It makes no sense to replace your present hosting service with
another Web hosting solution that equally cannot fulfill your technical
requirements.
When your new solution is activated, upload your archived Web pages,
database and scripts to the new host. You will be allocated an IP number
from the new hosting company. Take time to debug and test the new site from
the individual IP number.
After your site is entirely debugged and you verify that all site
functionality is operative, transfer your domain name service (DNS) servers
over from your old host to your new host.
During this DNS transition period, which is referred to as the "propagation
period," your Web site will be resolved by both your new and old host, as
new DNS information about your Web site filters through the Internet
worldwide. It typically takes about 1-2 weeks for the transfer to fully
propagate around the Internet; so keep your old site running in case you get
visitors whose ISP's name servers haven't updated fully.
It is imperative that you retain both your old and new hosting services
during your hosting solution transition. You will need to check your e-mail
from both hosting providers, since some regions of the Internet will direct
e-mail to your original host, while other regions will start sending mail to
your new server during the transition.
This same situation will occur with your site’s Web server during the period of
propagation. For this reason, you must ensure that both hosting services are
operating simultaneously during your solution transition.
Once a week or two have elapsed, cancel the account with your previous
hosting company. Make sure to only pull the plug on your old account when
e-mail stops arriving from your old server.
To ease the transition, you may want to select a hosting service that
approximates the features of your previous hosting company. With a wide
range of hosting control panel and automation software packages available,
it is now easier to transition Web sites.
Transitioning from one new host to another can be a simpler task if you
select the same operating system platform and control panel. Some hosting
companies make transition from one control panel to another easier by
employing a tool that actually automates the transition from a competitor.
Remember, when you're shopping for a new hosting company, make sure their
services suit all of your needs. Use our enhanced search to find a host that meets your exact specifics. This will reduce your chances of having to search for another host later.
