Moving web host is something you really need to plan out carefully especially if  you need to minimise disruption for a business customer.

Here are some tips.

1) Open up the new account with the new web host and familiarise yourself with how it works (control panels, web interfaces) etc.

2) Take a backup of the existing site.

3) Identify any possible compatibility issues prior to moving. 

4) Document how the current e-mail is configured. Mailboxes, aliases, catch alls etc.

5) Give the new web host’s technical support department a call. Figure out who you should speak to. Talk through the transfer with them.

6) Looks for ways to minimise disruption while the new DNS propagates by mirroring the existing DNS and time to live settings on the new host.

7) Upload the new site and test as best you can.

Send a fax to the old ISP asking them to initiate the move (change the IPS tag) and ask for confirmation of receipt of the fax. Give them as much notice as you can like 48 hours.

9) Go Live, the best time is about 5pm on a weekday so the mirrored DNS can be changed and should be up and running in moments (not days). Most business users shouldn’t even notice.

10) Send an e-mail to all the users and ask for a reply to ensure the mail system has been re-created successfully, completely.

If you need to move your business web hosting, check out my web host www.1steasy.com (01260-295-222).

I have managed several moves to them and their technical support department is excellent at working with you to ensure everything goes smoothly.

If you have other tips about moving business web host please share then in the comments.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, March 26th, 2008 at 8:49 am and is filed under Blog Entries, Small Business, Tech Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.