Server Migration – Issues to look out for

On January 8, 2012 in Internet.
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So this week saw the migration of my employer’s website from one server to another. Luckily it all went (relatively) smoothly, despite over-running by a few days due to an unresolved (critical) issue before the Christmas break. Never the less, it went well with only a couple of issues. Here’s a breakdown of what we encountered during the migration.

So, we used a migration specialist, SEM Solutions, to aid with the process. They handled the database copying, which is always the tricky bit, and uploaded the entire file-structure (public_html in the case of the old server). This is really the first two points to be aware of.

1 – Exporting / Importing databases can be hard! Make sure you know what you’re doing before attempting this (I tried it once and ended up having to recover my articles via wayback-machine and Google Cache, although that was a few years ago!).

2 – Check your full URL paths. When linking directly to files, if you include the web root folder from the FTP be sure it’s the same on the new server. For example, on the new server is uses ‘http_docs’ rather than ‘public_html’ as the web root folder.

There’s another similar issue here; the server back-end UI. Be sure you inquire about which one comes with a server before making the switch.

3 – CPanel vs PLESK. Parallel PLESK is new to me, as I’ve always used old faithful CPanel. PLESK, despite looking less functional and more dated (in my opinion, at least) has similar sections in terms of functionality. It’s quite well documented too, as is CPanel, meaning a switch between the two shouldn’t be too much of an issue (it wasn’t for me, at least).

There was one final issue, which caused the delay in migration. It’s a site specific problem, but it can be applied to almost any website with a contact form.

4 – Mail Transfer Agent. The issue we encountered was the following: We have a contact form. It adds data to a database. It also emails the data to a range of email addresses and produces an XML (more to follow). The contact form was functioning, but it seemed sporadic in the emails (they always came through blank despite the data being added to the database. The solution, you ask? Well, after a few days of head-scratching we discovered it was in fact ‘\r\n’ in the functions file of the form being rendered differently by the new server’s MTA (QMail as apposed to EXIM). This produced an additional line break which ended the header section of the form.

As I said, site specific. But if your experiencing similar issues it’s worth checking the PHP functionality for unnecessary line breaks!

5 – Permissions. A final note – Check your permissions! The XML mentioned above was failing to be created (even temporarily) due to permissions! This is something a ‘live chat assistant’ can usually do over the chat-box.

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AirDropper adds additional functionality to DropBox

On September 5, 2010 in #60SecondShout, New Technology.
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AirDropper. Not heard of it? Neither had I, before this evening. It’s a simple website (currently in BETA) which provides additional functionality to the wonderful application called ‘Dropbox’. (Read here about it here).

“But what could possibly make DropBox even better than it already is?”, I hear you cry. Well, DropBox has typically been used for one user to sign up, and share folders and files with himself on other computers (using an online server). Next came along shared folders; The ability to share folders with other DropBox users. This is great for collaborative work.

Now though, AirDropper aims to evolve DropBox one step further. What AirDropper does is generate a link which can be shared socially or privately for people who don’t have DropBox. The link gives non-users access to download files specifically or a folder to choose from. Pretty impressive, especially for distributing to lots of non-users at once, much like how P2P works.

What’s even better though, is that links can also be generated for users to upload files to a User’s DropBox without having to have an account or download any software. This creates an ‘AirDropper’ folder, which I think is probably a security feature in the DropBox API.

Let’s only hope there will be more developments like this from both DropBox and third party applications such as AirDropper!

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Google Chrome integrates new ‘down for everyone?’ feature

On September 1, 2010 in #60SecondShout, Development, Internet.
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Ever gone to a popular website like Facebook, Twitter, Apple or even Google to find it’s down? And then have you ever wondered if it’s a problem with their server or your connection? I know I have, and it’s really frustrating, especially when you start ranting (“It’s down AGAIN!“) on Facebook (Or Twitter if Facebook is down!).

There is a simple solution. http://downforeveryoneorjustme.com is a superbly simple web 2.0 styled page that checks out a domain to see if the issue is global, or if you have just been impatient. This solves the problem, but requires going to a whole other website and copy/pasting the web URL.

Google Chrome has reportedly shortened the whole process even further, by integrating the server check function right into it’s ‘cannot find the requested page’ message. A small peice of text may now appear under the main and usual body of text which reads: “Other users are also experiencing difficulties connecting to this site, so you may have to wait a few minutes”.

A quick and nifty improvement to, in my opinion, the best browser on the market today. Way to go Chrome!

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Multi-platform file sharing software – Introducing Dropbox

On June 26, 2010 in Business, Internet, New Technology.
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DropBox, it’s not just any other FTP. It installs a local folder on each computer it installs on, and any files placed within it are automatically uploaded to an online server. The files can be modified on the local computer, and when saved the version control software within the application automatically does the rest!

They are working on a business version which would solve the ongoing strain on local servers, and make pen drives and data DVD’s obsolete. The software even has an iPhone and iPad application, so you can upload photos and videos strait to the folder, magically appearing on your computer within seconds! You can also view some of the file types using additional applications like good-viewer, which are compatible with dropbox.

Files can be shared between multiple users for advanced use, and there is also an invitation scheme where you get additional space (although 2.0GB is provided as standard to free customers!) to a maximum of 8.0GB.

It’s definately worth a look! There are PC, Mac and Linux versions all available from the website.

Finally, check out the latest developments being worked on to make DropBox even better HERE.

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