Migrating from Plesk Onyx to Plesk Obsidian: A comprehensive guide
Migrating from Plesk Onyx to Plesk Obsidian is a crucial step for web hosting providers and server administrators to benefit from the latest features and improvements. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire migration process and show you how to successfully upgrade your server environment.
Requirements for migration
Before you start the migration, it is essential to ensure that your system meets the following requirements:
- Operating system compatibility: The operating system used must be supported by both the manufacturer and Plesk. A complete list of supported operating systems can be found on the Plesk website.
- Current Plesk version: Your installed Plesk version must support the upgrade to Plesk Obsidian. Supported versions are:
- Plesk Onyx 17.0
- Plesk Onyx 17.5
- Plesk Onyx 17.8
- System resources: Make sure that your server has sufficient resources such as CPU, RAM and disk space to run Plesk Obsidian efficiently.
- Backup solutions: A complete backup of your server is essential to prevent data loss.
If you are using an older version than the supported Onyx versions, you must first upgrade to one of these versions or consider migrating by transfer.
Migration methods
There are two main methods for migrating to Plesk Obsidian:
1. in-place upgrade
An in-place upgrade means that the update is carried out within the existing server environment. This method is ideal if your current Plesk version and operating system already meet the requirements.
Advantages:
- Less time required compared to a complete migration.
- No need to provide new hardware.
Steps for an in-place upgrade:
- Create a backup: Create a complete backup of your server, including all databases, websites and configurations.
- Check system requirements: Make sure that your system meets the requirements of Plesk Obsidian.
- Initiate upgrade: Perform the upgrade either via the Plesk panel or the command line. You can find detailed instructions in the Plesk documentation.
- Follow the upgrade wizard: Follow the instructions of the upgrade wizard to complete the process.
- After the upgrade: Check all services and make sure that everything is working properly.
2. upgrade through transfer
This method involves migrating the current environment to a new server with Plesk Obsidian already installed. It is particularly useful if your current version cannot be upgraded directly to Obsidian or if you want to upgrade to new hardware at the same time.
Advantages:
- Possibility of using new hardware for improved performance.
- Reduction of downtimes, as the new server can be operated in parallel to the old one.
Steps for an upgrade by transfer:
- Set up a new server: Set up a new server with Plesk Obsidian. Make sure that the system requirements are met.
- Use Plesk Migrator: Use the Plesk Migrator-tool to transfer data and settings from the old to the new server.
- Test the environment: Test the new environment thoroughly to ensure that all services function correctly.
- Plan DNS switchover: Plan to switch DNS records to direct traffic to the new server.
- Deactivate old server: You can deactivate the old server after successful switchover and verification.
New functions in Plesk Obsidian
Plesk Obsidian brings numerous improvements and new functions compared to Onyx:
- Improved security: Integrated security solutions such as ModSecurity and Fail2ban offer better protection against attacks.
- Optimized user interface: The new, more intuitive design makes it easier to manage servers and domains.
- Extended PHP support: Support for the latest PHP versions, including PHP 7.4 and higher, improves web application compatibility and performance.
- Improved e-mail security: SNI (Server Name Indication) for e-mail services enables secure encryption of the connection between mail client and mail server.
- Performance optimization: Integration of the PageSpeed module into the NGINX web server ensures faster loading times and an improved user experience.
- Automated updates: Plesk Obsidian enables automated updates for server components, which greatly simplifies maintenance.
- Advanced backup options: Improved backup and restore functions ensure greater data security.
These functions help to make server administration more efficient and at the same time increase security and performance.
Preparation of the migration
Careful preparation is crucial for a successful migration. You should consider the following steps:
- Create a complete backup: Back up all data, databases and configurations to enable recovery in the event of problems.
- Inform customers: Notify your customers in good time about planned maintenance windows and possible downtimes during the migration.
- Check compatibility: Verify that all installed extensions and applications are compatible with Plesk Obsidian. Visit the Plesk Extensions page for further information.
- Plan migration: Choose a suitable time for the migration, preferably outside peak business hours, to minimize disruption.
- Create an emergency plan: Develop a plan in case unexpected problems occur during the migration.
Carrying out the migration
Follow these steps for a successful migration:
- Start migration: Start the migration via the Plesk panel or the command line, depending on the method you have chosen.
- Monitor progress: Monitor the migration progress continuously and log any warnings or errors that may occur.
- Check after migration: Ensure that all services and websites function correctly. Test critical applications and databases in particular.
- Update Plesk extensions: Update all installed Plesk extensions to the latest version compatible with Obsidian.
- Carry out performance tests: Carry out performance tests to ensure that all systems are running optimally and that the new functions are being used.
Troubleshooting and common problems
Various problems can occur during migration. Here are some common problems and their solutions:
- Failed database migrations:
- Check the integrity of the databases and ensure that there is sufficient storage space available.
- Use tools such as phpMyAdmin for troubleshooting database problems.
- PHP compatibility issues:
- Update PHP scripts to the latest version or customize them to the requirements of Plesk Obsidian.
- Check the PHP settings in the Plesk panel and make sure that all required extensions are activated.
- SSL certificate error:
- Renew SSL certificates after the migration and reconfigure them in the Plesk panel.
- Use free SSL certificates from Let's Encryptwhich can be integrated directly into Plesk.
- DNA propagation delays:
- Allow sufficient time for DNS propagation to ensure that all users can access the new server.
- Compatibility issues with third-party plugins:
- Check the compatibility of third-party plug-ins and update them to the latest version if necessary.
- Remove incompatible plugins that do not work with Plesk Obsidian.
After the migration
After a successful migration to Plesk Obsidian, you should perform the following steps:
- Inform customers: Let your customers know when the migration is complete and inform them of any changes or new functions.
- Train the team: Train your team on the new features and improved user interface of Plesk Obsidian to ensure optimal utilization.
- Monitor server performance: Continuously monitor the performance of your server and optimize the settings if necessary.
- Update documentation: Update all relevant documentation and support materials to reflect the new system changes.
- Perform security checks: Carry out regular security checks to ensure that all new security functions are working properly.
Advantages of migrating to Plesk Obsidian
The migration to Plesk Obsidian offers numerous advantages:
- Increased security: With integrated security features such as ModSecurity and Fail2ban, Plesk Obsidian offers improved protection against cyber attacks.
- Better performance: The optimizations in the NGINX web server and the support of current PHP versions lead to faster loading times and an overall improvement in server performance.
- Ease of use: The optimized user interface makes it easier to manage websites, domains and servers, which is particularly beneficial for administrators.
- Automation options: Plesk Obsidian enables automated tasks such as updates and backups, which significantly reduces the administrative burden.
- Advanced functions: New functions such as the integration of PageSpeed and enhanced e-mail security options offer additional added value for your customers.
These advantages help to increase the efficiency of your web hosting and at the same time increase customer satisfaction.
Frequently asked questions
1. how long does the migration from Plesk Onyx to Plesk Obsidian take?
The duration of the migration depends on the size of your server environment and the migration method selected. An in-place upgrade can be completed in a few hours, while a transfer upgrade can take longer depending on the amount of data and server speed.
2. is there a cost for upgrading to Plesk Obsidian?
In most cases, the upgrade to Plesk Obsidian is free for existing Plesk customers. However, there may be additional costs if new licenses or additional extensions are required.
3. can I continue to access my websites during the migration?
Short downtimes may occur during an in-place upgrade. During a transfer upgrade, both servers can be operated in parallel, thus minimizing downtimes.
4 What do I do if the migration fails?
If the migration fails, you can use your full backup to restore your server to its previous state. Also make sure that you follow the contingency plan that you created before the migration.
5. are all my Plesk extensions compatible with Obsidian?
Not all extensions are automatically compatible with Plesk Obsidian. Check the compatibility of your extensions on the Plesk Extensions page and update or replace them if necessary.
Conclusion
Migrating from Plesk Onyx to Obsidian offers numerous benefits in terms of security, performance and ease of use. With careful planning and execution, you can successfully complete the migration process and benefit from the improvements in Plesk Obsidian. Remember that thorough preparation and testing are critical to a smooth migration.
By using the new features in Plesk Obsidian, you can offer your customers an improved service and at the same time manage your server environment more efficiently. The investment in this upgrade will pay off in the long run with improved security, performance and ease of use. For more information and support visit the Plesk support page or the official Plesk Obsidian documentation.
