Migrate PHP/MySQL Backend from ScalaHosting VPS to Lower-Cost Hosting (No Mobile App Changes)

== Overview == I have a production iOS/Android app with a PHP backend and MySQL database hosted on a ScalaHosting VPS (SPanel). I want to migrate the backend to a lower-cost hosting solution, such as DigitalOcean or your recommendation, without requiring any mobile app changes. == Success Criteria == - No iOS/Android app changes required - Existing API endpoints and request/response behavior preserved - No user data loss - SSL and DNS work correctly after cutover - Static assets/images continue to work - Safe rollback available until migration is confirmed - Hosting cost significantly reduced **Reliability and data integrity are more important than minimizing downtime.** == Current Environment == - ScalaHosting VPS (SPanel) - PHP backend - MySQL + phpMyAdmin - Production iOS & Android app - Production API on a subdomain - Multiple domains in the same hosting account == Required Experience == - Linux server administration - PHP/MySQL migration - DNS - SSL / Let's Encrypt - VPS migration - Backup & rollback planning - Cloudflare preferred == Milestone 1 — Discovery == ** No production changes.** Review the current environment and provide concise technical findings: - API location - Production database - DNS/subdomain configuration - Static assets/images - Backup strategy - Migration plan - Rollback plan - Estimated downtime == Milestone 2 — Migration == After approval of Milestone 1: - Build the new hosting environment - Migrate PHP backend and MySQL database - Configure SSL - Test before DNS cutover - Perform DNS cutover - Verify production - Monitor after cutover - Keep the ScalaHosting VPS as rollback until migration is confirmed ** If you recommend a safer or more cost-effective migration approach, please discuss it with me before proceeding.** == Deliverables == - Discovery findings - Migration checklist - Rollback plan - Post-migration verification