Why server migration?

Server units and hard drives are prone to breaking down, so they don’t last forever. Then when that happens, you won’t be able to access your data, and this could be a significant setback for any business. Consequently, a time will come when you’ll need to replace your server units, and this is where server migration becomes essential.

A server that is being worked on is not operational, and a significant repair job is a setback because your business needs the server unit to keep the operation going. In severe situations, an IT technician might move the data from the server to a temporary server using either a virtualized one-off premise or a server unit that’s on-premise. This way, you can continue with your business operation during the repair process without interference. And when the central server is fixed, your data will then be moved back.

Moreover, server migration occurs when a server is upgraded. This is the process whereby the data on the old information is moved to the new server. Server migration is also a suitable security precaution. If your server is compromised, you can bypass the risk by migrating your data to another server – the movement will give your IT technician the time needed to analyze the breached server and address the issue without dealing with unnecessary downtime.

How to plan for a server migration

Server options

Firstly, you need to determine the type of server you need. Today, there are several server options available, so it is important to take the time to explore your options. If you prefer a hardware-based solution, you’ll need to decide whether you need a Linux or Windows-based server. Both of these options have upsides and downsides, and the right choice means looking at the expertise of your IT staff, mode of data you’re housing, and company’s training requirements.

However, some servers migrations are not hardware-based. You could benefit from a cloud-based solution like Azure server which securely houses your data and offers on-demand access from anywhere in the world as far as there is an internet connection.

Timeline

The timing of migrating your server is also of great significance. The most appropriate time to migrate often depends on the age and nature of your existing servers. For instance, you can start thinking about server migration as soon as your hardware is three years old and by the time your server is five old, it may be time to start getting serious about replacement or upgrade.

In addition, you can also consider whether you want to wait for your current ERP system to be compatible with the cloud as this could save you from purchasing a pricey server you might not need.

Outdated servers

No matter how sophisticated a server is, it has a limited lifespan. In the case, your servers are using unsupported software and outdated hardware, it is time to plan a server migration. For instance, if your data room servers are of older models, you may also need to make the migration sooner than later if their operating systems are no longer supported.

Also, if you’re still using Windows Server 2003 or Exchange Server 2003, now is the time to start planning the server migration process. These solutions are no longer supported, so no more critical upgrades or security patches.

Final takeaways

No server setup lasts forever, so server migrations are inevitable. This process doesn’t need to cause a headache, although there are lots of potholes on the way if you don’t know what you’re doing. This is why you need to make an informed decision before committing.

If you do not have a solid grasp on a database, DNS, Apache, and hosting control panel system, we do not recommend trying the server migration yourself. While you may manage the daily operation with ease, migration of server may require several issues that need to be fixed quickly. This is where experience pays off. A professional technician can help you plan appropriately so that the whole process can go smoothly.