Migrating from cPanel to DirectAdmin can save resellers hundreds of dollars annually while improving server performance. This complete guide covers why to switch, step-by-step migration instructions, common issues, and how iServerGo's DirectAdmin reseller plans make the transition smooth.
Why migrate from cPanel to DirectAdmin?
1. Cost savings
cPanel licensing costs have increased significantly:
- cPanel VPS license: $20-45/month
- cPanel reseller license: $15/month per 100 accounts
- DirectAdmin Personal license: $2/month
- DirectAdmin Lifetime license: $299 one-time
Annual savings: For a reseller with 200 accounts, switching saves $300-516 per year.
2. Better performance
DirectAdmin uses 40-60% less resources:
- Lower RAM usage allows hosting 2x more accounts
- Faster page loads (2-3x faster interface)
- Better handling of concurrent users
- Reduced server overhead
3. Resource efficiency
On the same hardware, DirectAdmin can host significantly more accounts, reducing your per-account costs and increasing profit margins—especially important for hong kong hosting, us web hosting, or eu web hosting providers competing on price.
Pre-migration checklist
Before starting migration:
- ✓ Backup all cPanel accounts
- ✓ Document current resource allocations
- ✓ List all domains and subdomains
- ✓ Note email accounts and forwarders
- ✓ Document MySQL databases
- ✓ List installed applications (WordPress, etc.)
- ✓ Check SSL certificates
- ✓ Verify DNS records
- ✓ Notify clients about migration schedule
Step-by-step migration process
Step 1: Set up DirectAdmin server
Install DirectAdmin on your new server or use iServerGo's DirectAdmin reseller hosting:
- Purchase DirectAdmin license
- Install DirectAdmin on server
- Configure basic server settings
- Set up DNS and nameservers
- Test DirectAdmin access
Step 2: Create packages in DirectAdmin
Recreate your cPanel packages in DirectAdmin:
- Log into DirectAdmin as admin
- Go to "Reseller Panel" → "Package Manager"
- Create packages matching your cPanel packages
- Set resource limits (disk, bandwidth, accounts, etc.)
- Configure features (PHP versions, MySQL, etc.)
Step 3: Migrate accounts
For each cPanel account:
- Create full backup in cPanel:
- Go to cPanel → "Backup"
- Create "Full Backup"
- Download backup file
- Create account in DirectAdmin:
- Log into DirectAdmin reseller panel
- Go to "User Management" → "Create User"
- Enter domain name
- Select package
- Set username and password
- Create account
- Restore backup:
- Upload backup file to DirectAdmin
- Use DirectAdmin's restore function
- Or manually extract and upload files
Step 4: Migrate email accounts
Email migration requires special attention:
- Export email accounts from cPanel
- Create matching email accounts in DirectAdmin
- Migrate email data using IMAP sync or backup restore
- Update email client settings
- Test email sending and receiving
Step 5: Migrate databases
Database migration:
- Export databases from cPanel phpMyAdmin
- Create databases in DirectAdmin
- Import SQL files
- Update database credentials in applications
- Test database connections
Step 6: Update DNS
Point domains to new server:
- Update nameservers at domain registrar
- Or update A records to point to DirectAdmin server IP
- Wait for DNS propagation (24-48 hours)
- Verify DNS changes
Step 7: SSL certificates
Reinstall SSL certificates:
- DirectAdmin includes free Let's Encrypt SSL
- Go to "SSL Certificates" → "Let's Encrypt"
- Request certificate for each domain
- Or upload existing certificates
- Test SSL installation
Step 8: Test everything
Thoroughly test each migrated account:
- Website loads correctly
- Email sending and receiving works
- Databases connect properly
- SSL certificates are valid
- FTP access works
- Applications function correctly
Common migration issues and solutions
Issue 1: File permissions
Problem: Files may have incorrect permissions after migration.
Solution: Use DirectAdmin's "Fix Permissions" tool or set permissions manually via SSH.
Issue 2: PHP version differences
Problem: Applications may require specific PHP versions.
Solution: Configure PHP version per domain in DirectAdmin or use PHP selector.
Issue 3: Database connection errors
Problem: Applications can't connect to databases.
Solution: Verify database credentials, check database user permissions, ensure databases exist.
Issue 4: Email not working
Problem: Email accounts not receiving/sending mail.
Solution: Verify DNS MX records, check spam filters, test email configuration.
Issue 5: .htaccess rules
Problem: .htaccess rules may not work identically.
Solution: Review and test .htaccess rules, adjust for DirectAdmin's Apache configuration.
Automated migration tools
Several tools can automate migration:
- cPanel to DirectAdmin migration scripts: Available from DirectAdmin community
- Manual backup/restore: Most reliable but time-consuming
- Professional migration services: iServerGo offers free migration assistance
Post-migration tasks
After migration is complete:
- Monitor server performance and resource usage
- Update client documentation
- Train support staff on DirectAdmin
- Update billing system integration
- Cancel cPanel licenses
- Decommission old cPanel server
How iServerGo DirectAdmin reseller plans ease migration
iServerGo makes migration easier:
- Free migration assistance: Our team helps migrate accounts
- Multiple data centers: Choose hong kong hosting, us web hosting, or eu web hosting
- DirectAdmin pre-installed: No need to install and configure
- 24/7 support: Help during and after migration
- White-label options: Maintain your brand
- Competitive pricing: Starting at $12/month
Migration timeline
Typical migration timeline:
- Preparation: 1-2 days
- Account migration: 1-2 days per 10 accounts
- Testing: 2-3 days
- DNS propagation: 24-48 hours
- Total: 1-2 weeks for complete migration
Cost-benefit analysis
Migration costs:
- Time investment: 20-40 hours
- Potential downtime: Minimal with proper planning
- DirectAdmin license: $2/month or $299 lifetime
Annual savings: $300-516+ per year (for 200 accounts)
ROI: Migration pays for itself within 1-2 months
Getting started
Ready to migrate from cPanel to DirectAdmin? iServerGo offers:
- DirectAdmin reseller hosting starting at $12/month
- Free migration assistance
- Multiple data center options (hong kong hosting, us web hosting, eu web hosting)
- 24/7 support throughout migration
- White-label branding options
Contact iServerGo today to discuss your migration needs and get started with DirectAdmin reseller hosting.
Sam, Solutions Architect is a hosting infrastructure specialist with years of experience managing mission-critical workloads. This article reflects real-world expertise in Migration and is regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
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