To ensure the highest security and performance levels for our services, we’re applying software updates on our server. To minimize the customer impact, the updates are scheduled for Saturday August 13th, 2016.
During this maintenance procedure there will be upgrades to PHP and MySQL. cPanel, FTP, and Web Hosting services will experience 2 service interruptions of up to 30 minutes each impacting sites on our server.
For the majority of our customers, these changes should not effect your current web sites, if you have upgraded your site within the last 3-5 years. I will be notify you if there is a chance your site might be impacted beyond the maintenance period.
Why upgrade PHP?
Security
PHP 5.4 is no longer being fixed with security fixes, this means that there are potential security holes in it. This is bad for obvious reasons.
As with all programs and Operating systems that we use in our everyday lives (Windows, OS X, iOS, Android, etc.), new vulnerabilities are found and taken advantage of constantly. Keeping current with updates provides support to combat hacks and intrusions. For example you can’t be running DOS if you want to surf the internet.
Performance
The new version of PHP will offer better performance than previous versions. This will be a great benefit to sites running WordPress.
New features
Current programs like WordPress and WHMCS can take advantage of new features in PHP and provide new features themselves.
We apologize for any inconveniences generated by these service interruptions. Please make sure that your customers and team members are aware of these important updates.
Thank you for your understanding and support,
Shaw Web Hosting