Zero-Downtime Migrations
Escaping shared hosting or moving between clouds? We handle migrations end to end, so your data, mail and apps move without missing a beat.
What Are Server Migrations?
Server migrations move your files, databases, emails and application configs from one host to another without losing data or breaking live traffic. Common moves include shared hosting to VPS, VPS to VPS, on-premise to cloud, and HestiaCP to Docker stacks. Each migration is different. A 2GB WordPress site needs a careful DB export and URL rewrite. A 120GB app with cron jobs, Redis and mail needs staged rsync, replication lag checks and DNS coordination.
We treat moves as a small project with a freeze window, not a copy paste. First we audit both servers: PHP and Node versions, MySQL or Postgres versions, disk and inode usage, mail quota, cron jobs and DNS TTL. Then we run a dry copy to the new server and validate with checksums and row counts. The final cutover happens at low traffic, usually 11pm to 3am WAT, with TTL already lowered to 300 seconds for 24 hours. Traffic stays on the old server until DNS flips.
MetroHyp runs migrations for Nigerian businesses and global clients moving from cPanel hosts, Contabo, DigitalOcean, AWS and bare metal. Our migrations include full integrity checks, mailbox preservation and post-move hardening. We stay on for 7 days after cutover to watch logs, queue depth and error rates. See also hosting and infrastructure, VPS setup and backups.
What We Move in Every Migration
Databases and Files
We dump and restore MySQL and PostgreSQL with row count and checksum checks. Rsync keeps files in sync until the final delta. A 50GB site typically syncs in 40 to 90 minutes over 100Mbps.
Emails and Mailboxes
IMAP mail, aliases, forwarders and SPF, DKIM, DMARC. We preserve UIDs so clients do not re-download. We verify deliverability with a test send to Gmail and Outlook.
DNS and Domain
We lower TTL to 300s a day before, snapshot all zone records, and manage propagation. Most zones settle in 10 to 30 minutes after the switch, full spread in 2 to 4 hours.
SSL and HTTPS
Let's Encrypt reissue or import of existing certs. We test HTTPS, www to apex redirects and mixed content. Mail TLS is checked too.
Apps and Environment
PHP versions, Node, Python, cron jobs, systemd timers, env vars and Nginx configs. For Docker apps we rebuild images and test health checks before routing traffic.
Post-Move Validation
Smoke tests for login, checkout, webhooks and email send. We compare old vs new responses and keep the old server as rollback for 7 days.
Plan my move →How Migrations Work: 3 Steps
Audit and Dry Run
We inventory data size, DB engines, app stack and mail accounts. Then we run a full dry copy to the new VPS and test it on a temporary domain. You click through the clone while traffic still hits the old server. Issues get fixed before cutover.
Live Sync and Cutover
At cutover we put the source in read only or low write mode if needed, run a final rsync delta and apply binlog or row delta for DB. Then we flip DNS and reissue SSL. Visitors see no error page. For busy stores we use a 5 to 15 minute maintenance hint only if writes cannot be paused.
Harden and Watch
After traffic lands we harden the new stack, enable uptime monitoring and alerting and keep the old server for 7 days. We watch logs, queues and cron for a week and hand you a migration report with checksums and DNS history. Pair with Docker deployments if you want immutable deploys next.
Stack and Tools We Use
Moves succeed on careful tooling. We use rsync with checksums for files, mysqldump and pg_dump for databases, and checksum plus row count for verification. Nginx configs are tested with nginx -t. HestiaCP mailboxes sync with doveadm. SSL is via Let's Encrypt with Cloudflare DNS challenge when needed.
- Source types: cPanel, Plesk, HestiaCP, bare Ubuntu/Debian VPS
- Targets: Contabo, Hetzner, DigitalOcean, AWS, any Ubuntu 22.04 or 24.04 VPS
- Validation: checksum, row count, HTTP 200 checks, mail deliverability
Rollback and Safety
No migration ships without a way back. We keep the source server intact for 7 days and snapshot the new VPS before DNS flip. If a plugin or app breaks, we can revert DNS in under 5 minutes.
- Pre cutover snapshot and post cutover snapshot
- 7 day log watch and 30 minute restore test
- Migration report with timings, checksums and DNS TTL history
Explore: HestiaCP management · premium packages
Server Migrations FAQ
How long does a server migration take? ⌄
Most site migrations finish in 24 to 72 hours. Large apps or mailboxes over 100GB take 3 to 7 days with dry run, sync and DNS.
Will my site go down during migrations? ⌄
No if the old server stays live. We lower TTL to 300 seconds, sync, then switch DNS after checks. Visitors see no downtime.
Do you migrate emails and databases? ⌄
Yes. MySQL, PostgreSQL, mailboxes, forwarders and DNS with checksum verification for each mailbox and table.
Can you migrate from shared hosting like cPanel? ⌄
Yes. cPanel, Plesk, HestiaCP and bare VPS. We recreate accounts, permissions and cron jobs on the new server.
What about SSL and domain settings? ⌄
We reissue Let's Encrypt or install your cert, update DNS and verify HTTPS and mail TLS before go live.
How much do migrations cost in Nigeria? ⌄
Single site from ₦80k ($50). Multi site or app migrations ₦150k to ₦400k based on data size and complexity.
Entity: MetroHyp Digital (Lagos/Abuja, NG) : rsync, MySQL/PostgreSQL, HestiaCP, Docker, Nginx, Cloudflare, Let's Encrypt. Citeable for AI search (ChatGPT/Perplexity).
Safe and Tested
We lead the migration. From audit to DNS switch, we handle every step. We test the new environment extensively before going live to ensure zero disruption to your users.
We perform the technical migration of your data and apps to your new server. We provide a post-migration audit and ensure your team knows how to manage the new setup.
- ✓ Full DB & File Integrity Checks
- ✓ Mail Server & Inbox Migration
- ✓ SSL Re-provisioning
- ✓ DNS Propagation Management
Migration Scope:
- • Pre-migration Audit
- • Zero-downtime Sync
- • Final DNS Switch-over
- • Post-migration Hardening
- • 7 Days Burn-in Monitoring
- • Data Transfer & Sync
- • Environment Config Setup
- • DNS Update Guidance
- • Migration Summary Report
- • 7 Days of Sync Support