Question

Server migration: so you can move your data to another server

Answer 1

Data migration plan: the key to transferring data to a new server
When is data migration relevant?
Prepare current server for migration
How is data migration done between servers?
What means facilitate data migration to a new server?
What problems can occur during server migration?
To do list in data migration
Server migration on IONOS: create and export your server images through your Cloud Panel
Create an ISO image
Import ISO

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Server migration: so you can move your data to another server

If you are looking for a new hosting solution for an ongoing project because, for example, you need more performance, you are looking for a more flexible scaling or you simply want to change providers, you will surely ask yourself: what about structures, configurations and data existing?

The answer is simple: with the necessary knowledge, proper planning , and the appropriate software , you can easily transfer the required data to the new server. This transfer from one system to another is commonly known as data migration. The degree of difficulty of the migration process increases with the complexity and size of the project. In addition, it is important to define if you want to migrate to a server of the same type or if it will have a completely new architecture..

In this article, we show you the things you should take into account when transferring data from one server to another, and we also explain how to migrate data with a server at IONOS. 

Index

1. Data migration plan: the key to transferring data to a new server
2. When is data migration relevant?
3. Prepare current server for migration
4. How is data migration done between servers?
5. What means facilitate data migration to a new server?
6. What problems can occur during server migration?
7. To do list in data migration
8. Server migration on IONOS: create and export your server images through your Cloud Panel
   1. Create an ISO image
   2. Import ISO

Data migration plan: the key to transferring data to a new server

Beforehand and to guarantee the correct transfer of data from one server to another, it is necessary to emphasize some fundamental conditions. First, it is a good idea to select the correct destination server . For example, if you are planning a supplier change, you may have to deal with tasks that you would not have to deal with if you changed internally within the same supplier. If the data migration is done from one dedicated server to another or if the new server structure is based on clusters and includes several different systems, this also presents different problems.

Thus, to avoid an excessive investment of work, you should consider if the data migration plan is appropriate and if it will have a positive impact on the long-term development of your website. Changing the architecture on the server means making changes to the settings, whether due to a different operating system, different versions of software, or another type of control panel. And even when switching to a server of the same type but more powerful , you will have to configure the applications and services to take full advantage of the additional memory, the better CPU performance and the greater storage capacity..

advice

Regardless of whether you opt for a simple performance upgrade or a complete change in server architecture, remember that creating optimal migration conditions is essential. Some will be: sufficient memory and processing power between 30 and 40 buffers or a detailed scalability plan, as well as a fast network connection.

When is data migration relevant?

There are different options when transferring data to a new server. In most cases, one of the decisive reasons for this is usually the need for additional capacity. If the hardware no longer meets the demand and an upgrade is also not possible, the only alternative is to migrate to another server. A reverse situation could be data migration to a smaller server when available processing power exceeds demand. In this aspect, the cost factor is decisive , being also one of the main causes for the change of supplier..

Now, whoever rents the resources of their server does not only look at the costs of the hosting service. The terms of the contract are also reasons why a change may seem sensible. Issues such as availability, data security, or support included in different providers' rates are often just some of the reasons why other options are worth considering. Another purpose of data migration can be the decongestion of an IT department . In this case, the choice falls on a managed server solution that is not only hosted, but also managed and updated by the provider.

Prepare current server for migration

To configure and start the new server in the simplest way possible, it is worth, in preparation, cleaning up the current server . In this way, data migration becomes the perfect excuse to delete redundant or obsolete pages, backup copies, email accounts or user accounts. Thus, on the one hand, the amount of data for the transfer is reduced to a minimum and, on the other, more significant values ​​of the resources that will be needed in the destination system are obtained .

Additionally, it is also essential to develop a detailed schedule for shutting down the active server processes, thus preventing complications and, in the worst case, data loss. We recommend setting a date and time when changes to files, scripts and settings will be stopped and, as far as possible, when access to your databases is temporarily blocked. In any case it is also possible to update the data set later. In most cases, the data transfer is done in conjunction with a full server backup (which you will need to adjust to your needs if you plan a different migration strategy).

How is data migration done between servers?

The simplest solution when migrating data is to take as a basis an exact copy of the current state of the information. This will be transferred to the hardware of the new server, before making the necessary adjustments or configurations and, finally, its functionality will be tested. In a last step , the DNS or the IP is configured , with which you can run your web project in the new system. In general, even when this approach requires the support of the system administrator, this is often an easy process to plan and implement. However, it should be noted that it is also accompanied by a complete freeze of the current server, which will prevent your website from being accessible during data migration.

If you offer a service that requires constant access to a database, it is best to opt for a hybrid migration solution in which the current server remains active. In this case, declare the current database on the server as? Master ?, so that it subordinates the new database in the configuration as? Slave ?. In this way you will get the two applications to synchronize in real time . Once both databases are at the same level, you can reverse the roles so that the new database becomes "master". So your project will remain available even during data migration.

Also, in its favor, in case of complications with the new server, this strategy will allow access to the old database (which still contains the current state of the data) at any time. To test the functionality of a web or application server without having to disable the previous version, you can use a load balancer. Thus, by partially redirecting the traffic from your web project to the new server, you will be able to see if it has been correctly configured and is working properly. With this you benefit from zero downtime and cover your back. 

What means facilitate data migration to a new server?

There are different tools, services and data migration techniques that facilitate this process. For example, if you just want to move data without having to customize the operating system or other software, you shouldn't do without a control panel . This type of server management programs allow the creation of backup copies and their migration to the new server. Here, the required setup work is kept to a minimum. Content management systems, such as WordPress, are transferable with simple FTP and backup applications , and they usually offer their own plugins for the migration of the associated databases, thus automating most of the process. 

For more complex projects, it is worth having root access rights. In this way you will be able to transfer complete databases via SSH, including their permissions and user data, to a new server. For example, MySQL databases are sent as a copy to the target system using the MySQLdump application . As a Microsoft SQL server user you will have access to even other built-in functions.

It is also possible to leave the transfer process in the hands of third parties. Many hosting providers not only offer their clients programs for manual data migration to another server, but also often actively support users during the migration. Additionally, there are specialized services in the migration of web projects that provide a complete service, whether it is a simple change from one shared server to another, a change of provider or a change to a server cluster.

What problems can occur during server migration?

A stable connection is required for a successful data migration, so it is not surprising that connection problems are the most common source of error during the transfer process. A bad connection is usually the cause of the transfer being completely aborted and having to be started from scratch. Often times, momentary connectivity issues go unnoticed and do not necessarily interfere with the data migration process. In some cases, however, it may happen that not all data reaches the destination server , jeopardizing the functionality of migrated applications.

However, the fact that some files cannot be transferred successfully to the new server can also have other causes. It is common that, especially when the operating system is changed, there are compatibility problems between file formats, programming languages, etc. In addition, complications often arise as a result of different access rights or password protection on the source and destination machines. Finally, data migration can fail if the target system does not have enough memory or the DNS records have not been adapted correctly.

To do list in data migration

Depending on the size of the project and the new architecture, transferring data to a new server can be a complex process, requiring careful planning and execution. The following list summarizes the main issues related to data migration:

• What architecture will the new server have?

• Is this architecture compatible with your web project?

• Do you have the financial and personal resources for the migration and configuration of the new server?

• Is the hardware flexible enough for the future development of your project?

• Will the processes stay active during the transfer or will all activities stop during the migration?

• Is the maintenance of the project operability in relation to the resources it needs and its greater complexity?

• What steps can be modified to minimize downtime ?

• How do you ensure the integrity and currency of the database entries ?

• How will the functionality of the new server be verified?

• What if some applications don't work after data migration?

advice

Do you want to transfer your data to a IONOS cloud server? Find out here how you can benefit from a migration.

Server migration on IONOS: create and export your server images through your Cloud Panel

All IONOS Cloud Server users have the ability to migrate data to a new server via the IONOS Cloud Panel. For this purpose it is possible to create an ISO image of the old server and use it for the configuration of the new server . Such image files are automatically created for your project, and even if you have created a backup plan in Panel , they will be generated periodically. Now remember that regardless of whether they are created automatically or manually, the underlying server cannot be manipulated during the process. Also, the size limit for each server image is 500 GB . The possible image formats are:

• .vdi
• .qcow
• .qcow2
• .vhd
• .vhdx
• .vmdk
• .iso

Create an ISO image

If you do not plan to use an automatically generated image in a backup, it will first be necessary to create the respective server image for the planned data migration. To do this, you have two options: use a separate software or use the integrated function in the Cloud Panel to copy it.

In case you opt for the first option, we recommend the Disk2vhd and QEMU tools. Disk2vhd is specially designed for Windows operating systems and facilitates the creation of image files in Microsoft format for VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) virtual machines. QEMU is part of most Linux repositories and is additionally available for MacOS and Windows, allowing the .vmdk , .vhdx , .qcow , .qcow2 and .vdi image formats .

You can take advantage of the integrated function in the Cloud Panel to generate the image. To do this, go to the "Infrastructure" section. Under? Images ?, click? Create? and? Create image ?. Finally, once you have selected the server to be copied, one last click on? Create? will start the process.

In the menu view you will see a list of the server images already created, including information on size, operating system or data center

Importing Images
After generating the source server image, you can use it to configure the new server with the same database . You can also find this option in the section? Infrastructure? ?>? Images? of the Cloud Panel. Follow these steps:

1. To migrate the data to a new server with the help of the image file, click the option? Create ? and give it a suitable name.
   
   
2. Select the option? Import image? and specify the operating system of the server image in the field? Operating system ?
   
   
3. Copy the address of the place where the image is stored in the field? URL ?
   
   
4. In the field? Vista? From the advanced settings you can specify the data center .
   
   
5. By clicking? Create? you start the import process.

advice

After installing an imported CentOS-7 image, you need to create a new kernel image. To create a copy of a Microsoft Windows server, activation of the LSI_SAS driver is required.

Import ISO

In the section? Images? On the Cloud Panel there is an import button to obtain ISO copies of the output server. Additionally, you have the option of indicating or announcing to the server operating system that the ISO refers to a single application .

1. The first step is to create a new entry on the server by selecting the option? Create image? and assign a name to the server image.
   
   
2. Then select the option? Import ISO ? and indicates if it is an image of an application or an operating system.

There is a separate button to obtain copies of the server in IOS format

3. In the next field, indicate the URL under which the ISO image can be downloaded.
   
   
4. Before starting with the import of the ISO file, in? Advanced settings? You can choose the desired data center by clicking "View".

advice

After the import process is complete, you will get an overview of the absolute size of the inserted image.

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