Moving hosts
I have helped a few folks move from troublesome or expensive hosts in the last year. As a reseller of hosting I charge a markup for the move but rarely exceed $50 in additional expense or labor costs. The advantages to moving your hosting should be obvious, saving money, Getting better value for your money, or an easier back end solution.
But changing hosts is not without challenges. The move can take upto 48 hours which may lead to down time in your ecommerce sales or website visits. Occaisionally there is lost email during the switch over period but it is minimal. You have to make sure the new host supports all your applications including those with frontpage or mysql databases. Data must be backed up prior to moving hosts. Below is an outline of the process if you need to move your website from one host to another.
1) Back up all website directories
2) back up all databases (export to SQL, EXCEL, or XML).
3) make sure the new host has all the features you need to re-create your website
4) make sure you understand all costs with transferring your site
5) sign up with the new host - obain new DNS address
- You can create your site now if the new host allows you ftp access or other backend systems which work without your normal domain name.
6) login or contact your registrar to change the Domain Name Servers
7) your old hosting account may terminate immediately
8) your new host may take upto 48 hours to begin the propagation of your domain name - usually much less.
9) Once your domain is propagated you may still need to setup forums, blogs, and mySQL databases.
10) test everything
If these tasks seem daunting to you I can help you move your hosting accounts. I provide service untill all is migrated and functioning as before.
Sites I have helped moved (but did not design/develop):
roswellphotosociety.org
faxsolutions.us
cartersphotos.com
My recommeded hosting solution is Ipowerweb.com