Zero-downtime migrations minimise the risk of throughput issues and latency. The process enables you to switch hosting servers without disrupting business operations. It helps you to avoid financial loss and uphold customer trust.   

Today’s digital business landscape is in a state of continuous evolution. Staying agile and keeping your business updated is essential to remaining competitive. It often involves migrating to a new host.

Well, this may sound like a simple thing to do. However, the stakes remain high due to downtime.

Migration downtime can impact your business on multiple levels. While revenue loss is the most obvious impact, it doesn’t stop at that. The hidden costs include diminished productivity and tarnished reputation.

This is where zero-downtime migrations become crucial. They keep your systems functional throughout the migration process.

In this blog, we share how to ensure zero downtime during migrations, so that your business operations are not disrupted.  

Best Practices for Zero-Downtime Migrations

Successful migration hosting involves proper planning and preparation. They lay the ground for smooth transitions without interrupting operations.

Here are the best practices to ensure stress-free migrations.

Prepare a Master List

Creating a master list is the key to meticulous preparation for zero-downtime migrations. First, note down everything that helps your website function. This includes your databases, files, SSL certificates, and other things.

Next, mark out all that you need to move to the new host. It will enable you to decide whether you can leave behind anything. This will help you avoid several issues, including broken links, missing users, and more.

Create Backups

Having backups of every item on your master list is indispensable. Check if your current host can create a complete backup of your site. If not, you will have to do it yourself. 

Ensure that your backup includes all the items that exist on the host server your site uses. Ideally, it should cover all files (including hidden ones), databases, custom configurations, email accounts, and everything else.

Pro Tip: Once the backup is ready, copy it to create a second one. Transfer one backup to a cloud and keep the other one on your local machine. A backup of a backup can be vital if you lose one of them for any reason.

Steps for Zero-Downtime Migrations

Migration without service interruptions can be tricky. The best way out is to break the process into multiple steps. These steps involve files, databases, additional configurations, and DNS.

Here’s how to approach each step for zero-downtime migrations.

Step 1: Transfer Your Files

Start by transferring your site’s files to the new host. Transfer them as they are. Avoid any change to the structure or the folders. 

Preserving the folder structure is essential for the seamless functioning of your website. Displacing even a single directory can impact your site’s functioning.

You can consider using FTP, SFTP, or a file manager to move them to the new destination. 

Pro tip: Archive the root folder and move it. This will ensure the folder structure remains the same.

Step 2: Import the Databases

It involves importing your database into an empty one located on the new host. Begin by creating a new database. Note down its name, password, and user. 

Once done, you can start importing data. The key to zero-downtime migrations is to use replication while copying data from the old database to the new one. It will keep both in sync.

Update your configuration files with the new database details, including name, password, and user.

Also Read: What Are Hosting Failover Systems and Why Your Website Needs One

Step 3: Consider Additional Configurations

In this step, focus on the other essential configurations and tweaks that support your site’s functioning. These configurations will depend on your site. 

Here are a few things to configure to elevate your site’s functioning.

Performance Settings   

Set up and configure CDN integrations, caching plugins, and other performance enhancements.

Email Accounts

If your site has any custom email accounts, consider recreating them at this stage.

SSL Certificates

Apply your SSL certificate to the new host. It allows your site to load over HTTPS.  

Scheduled Tasks

Ensure that your automated tasks are running. If not, configure the settings to activate them.

Redirects

Check your redirects and configure them to the new host.

Also Read: Hosting with Daily Backups: Protect Your Website from Data Loss

Step 4: Update Your DNS

Updating your site’s DNS is the final step for zero-downtime migrations. It allows you to point the DNS to the new server.

DNS enables browsers to display your site. Once you update it, your visitors will be able to access your site on the new server.

Ensure to test your site before updating your DNS.

Migrate Smart, Grow Faster

Successful migration hosting is a strategic capability that can provide your business with a competitive advantage. With zero-downtime migrations, you can perform the transitions without disrupting business operations. Planning and being methodical will enable you to conduct site transfers seamlessly.   

When it comes to migrations, a good host is essential for your site’s growth.

BigRock provides hosting solutions that are fast, reliable, and affordable. With scalable hosting plans, easy DNS management, and 24/7 support, you can set up your site for long-term success.

Sign up at BigRock today to meet all your hosting needs.