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At ThatWare, we understand that staying ahead in the competitive world of SEO requires not only cutting-edge strategies but also a robust technological foundation. Our recent transition from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 exemplifies this commitment to innovation. With CentOS 7 reaching its end-of-life, we seized the opportunity to upgrade to a modern, secure, and high-performing operating system. This strategic move was not just about enhancing server reliability; it was a calculated effort to boost our SEO performance, improve crawl efficiency, and deliver superior results for our clients. By leveraging AlmaLinux 8, we have strengthened our ability to adapt to evolving SEO demands while ensuring faster indexing, optimized Core Web Vitals, and maximized crawl budgets.
The Need for Transition: Why We Moved from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8
At ThatWare, we constantly seek opportunities to enhance our technological infrastructure to stay at the forefront of SEO performance. When CentOS 7 reached its end-of-life, we faced a critical decision: either continue with outdated systems or transition to a modern, reliable alternative. After thorough evaluation, we chose to upgrade to AlmaLinux 8, a community-driven, enterprise-grade operating system designed to provide long-term support and security. This move was driven by both necessity and strategic foresight, ensuring that our server environment aligned seamlessly with our advanced SEO methodologies.
The Challenges with CentOS 7
CentOS 7 had long been a trusted OS for many server environments, including ours. However, its end-of-life status posed significant risks to our SEO performance and overall operations:
- Security Vulnerabilities: Without regular updates and patches, CentOS 7 became increasingly susceptible to security breaches. For an SEO agency like us, server security is paramount as it directly impacts website availability, data integrity, and trustworthiness.
- Performance Limitations: As web technologies evolve, older systems often struggle to keep up. CentOS 7’s inability to support newer software versions and optimization techniques could have hindered our ability to improve crawl efficiency and Core Web Vitals.
- Lack of Support for Modern Tools: Advanced SEO tools and platforms require compatibility with the latest server environments. Remaining on CentOS 7 would have restricted our ability to integrate new technologies that optimize indexing and crawling processes.
Why AlmaLinux 8?
AlmaLinux 8 emerged as the ideal replacement for CentOS 7. Built as a direct successor and binary-compatible with Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL), AlmaLinux 8 offers all the reliability, security, and performance features we needed to take our SEO strategies to the next level. Here’s why we made the switch:
Long-Term Support and Stability
AlmaLinux 8 provides guaranteed support for years, ensuring that our server environment remains stable and secure. This continuity is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted website performance and SEO campaigns.
Enhanced Security Features
The OS comes with built-in security enhancements, including SELinux and system-wide cryptographic policies, which fortify our server against potential threats. A secure server environment ensures better uptime and prevents penalties due to security breaches.
Optimized Performance for Modern Applications
AlmaLinux 8 is designed to handle modern workloads efficiently. It supports updated packages, faster processing, and better resource allocation, enabling quicker server response times that directly contribute to improved crawl budgets.
Seamless Transition from CentOS 7
One of AlmaLinux 8’s standout features is its ease of migration. The compatibility with CentOS 7 allowed us to transition smoothly without significant downtime or reconfiguration.
Community-Driven and Open Source
As an open-source operating system backed by a strong community, AlmaLinux 8 aligns with our philosophy of leveraging flexible, innovative solutions.
Strategic Impacts on SEO
The decision to upgrade was not only technical but also strategic. A modern OS like AlmaLinux 8 enhances server reliability, reduces downtime, and allows us to implement advanced SEO tools seamlessly. These improvements collectively boost indexing rates, crawl efficiency, and overall website rankings.
Strategic Upgrade Process: How We Did It
At ThatWare, the transition from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 was carefully planned and executed to ensure minimal disruption and maximum efficiency. Our approach combined meticulous preparation, seamless migration, and comprehensive testing, all aligned with our commitment to delivering optimal SEO performance for our clients.
Preparation Phase
We began by analyzing our existing infrastructure and identifying the key components requiring migration. A complete backup of all critical data, including website files, databases, and server configurations, was created to ensure no data loss during the transition. Compatibility checks were conducted to ensure all applications and dependencies would function smoothly on AlmaLinux 8.
Migration Process
The upgrade process itself was streamlined using the AlmaLinux ELevate tool, which simplifies migrations from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8. This tool allowed us to perform an in-place upgrade without having to rebuild the server environment from scratch. After initiating the migration, we monitored the process closely to address any potential issues in real time.
Post-Migration Steps
Once the migration was complete, we rebooted the server and ran system diagnostics to confirm that all services were operational. Our team verified that website functionalities, databases, and connected tools were working seamlessly in the new environment.
Quick 5-Minute Testing
To ensure immediate impact on SEO performance, we conducted a 5-minute crawl budget test. This involved checking server response times, reviewing crawl logs in Google Search Console, and monitoring indexation speeds. The results showed significant improvements, including reduced response times and increased crawl requests.
Seamless Transition, Tangible Results
By following this strategic upgrade process, we ensured a smooth transition to AlmaLinux 8, bolstered server performance, and set the foundation for faster indexing and enhanced SEO outcomes.
Immediate Five-Minute Testing for Indexing and Crawl Efficiency
At ThatWare, our upgrade to AlmaLinux 8 was designed not just for stability and performance but also to deliver immediate SEO benefits. To validate the effectiveness of our migration and its impact on indexing and crawl efficiency, we conducted a rigorous five-minute test. This rapid testing phase was crucial in ensuring that our new server environment could handle Google’s crawling and indexing processes with enhanced speed and efficiency.
Why the First Five Minutes Matter
In the SEO world, the first few minutes after a server upgrade are critical. A responsive, optimized server can significantly boost the crawl budget, enabling search engines to index pages faster and allocate more resources to crawling your website. Given ThatWare’s commitment to delivering top-notch SEO results, we aimed to achieve measurable improvements right from the start.
Step-by-Step Testing Process
Server Response Time Analysis
The first test involved evaluating server response times using tools like Google Search Console and GTmetrix. With AlmaLinux 8’s enhanced resource management, our server’s response time decreased to an impressive 310ms. This improvement means that search engine bots can crawl our site more efficiently, leading to quicker page indexing.
Crawl Stats Monitoring
We immediately accessed the Crawl Stats report in Google Search Console to monitor key metrics such as total crawl requests and download size. Within minutes of rebooting the server, we observed a spike in crawl requests, jumping from an average of 600 to 900 requests. Additionally, the total download size improved to over 1.04B bytes, indicating that more pages were being processed by Google’s crawler.
URL Inspection and Testing
Using Google Search Console’s URL Inspection tool, we tested specific URLs to check for updated indexing statuses. Pages that previously took longer to index were now processed almost instantaneously. The “last crawl” timestamps validated that our changes had triggered immediate re-crawling of key URLs.
Real-Time Logs Review
We analyzed server logs to track crawl bot activity in real-time. The logs confirmed increased hits from Googlebot, particularly on high-priority pages. This reaffirmed that the crawl budget was being effectively utilized.
Testing Core Web Vitals Impact
Core Web Vitals metrics were also a key focus during this testing. The AlmaLinux 8 environment enabled faster delivery of assets, with improvements in metrics like Largest Contentful Paint (LCP) and Total Blocking Time (TBT). These enhancements contribute to better page experience signals, which influence rankings.
Results Achieved in Five Minutes
- Faster Indexing: Pages were indexed more rapidly, ensuring that new and updated content was available to users sooner.
- Improved Crawl Budget Utilization: The total crawl requests and download size showed immediate increases, indicating that Google was spending more resources on our site.
- Reduced Server Response Times: The drop in response time to 310ms ensured that Googlebot could efficiently crawl more pages within its allocated time.
- Enhanced Core Web Vitals: Better performance metrics indicated a positive impact on user experience and SEO rankings.
Key SEO Insights from Testing
- Increased Crawl Frequency: The significant jump in crawl requests within the first five minutes highlighted the importance of server optimization for improving crawl budget allocation.
- Real-Time Indexation Benefits: By ensuring our server environment was instantly ready for crawling, we minimized delays in content indexing, giving us a competitive edge in search rankings.
- SEO and Server Synergy: This quick testing phase underscored the direct link between server performance and SEO outcomes, reaffirming the need for ongoing technical optimizations.
Impact of the Upgrade on SEO Performance
The migration from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 was not just a technical upgrade—it was a transformative move for ThatWare’s SEO strategy. By prioritizing server performance, crawl budget optimization, and user experience, we achieved measurable improvements in key SEO metrics. Here’s an in-depth look at how this upgrade impacted our SEO performance.
1. Enhanced Crawl Budget Utilization
Google’s crawl budget is a finite resource allocated to each website, and server performance plays a critical role in determining how efficiently this budget is used. With AlmaLinux 8, the server’s enhanced resource management capabilities resulted in:
- Increased Crawl Requests: Post-upgrade, the total crawl requests jumped from an average of 600 to 900 within the same timeframe. This meant that more pages were being crawled and indexed.
- Optimized Download Sizes: The total download size increased to over 1.04B bytes, signifying that search engines were able to process larger amounts of data efficiently.
- Improved Response Times: The average response time dropped to 310ms, reducing crawl delays and allowing bots to access more pages within the same crawl session.
2. Faster Indexing of Pages
One of the immediate benefits of the upgrade was the rapid indexing of updated and new pages. Through Google Search Console’s URL Inspection tool, we confirmed that pages were being indexed significantly faster than before. This faster indexing cycle is critical for maintaining ThatWare’s competitive edge in dynamic search environments.
3. Improved Core Web Vitals
Core Web Vitals are essential metrics for evaluating page experience, and AlmaLinux 8 provided the performance boost needed to optimize these metrics:
- Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): Improved to 1.0 seconds, signaling faster loading of primary content.
- Total Blocking Time (TBT): Reduced to 0ms, ensuring that users experience smooth interactions with the site.
- Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): Maintained at 0.002, indicating a stable visual experience with minimal layout shifts.
These improvements enhance user satisfaction and align with Google’s emphasis on page experience as a ranking factor.
Add the data under the Core Web Vitals Improvements subsection to provide concrete evidence of improvement. Use it to highlight how the upgrade contributed to better user experience metrics, crawl efficiency, and indexing speed.
Suggested Integration:
After the upgrade, we observed a significant improvement in Core Web Vitals, especially for mobile performance. According to Google Search Console:
- Core Web Vitals – Mobile: 1 URL categorized as “Poor,” 482 URLs as “Need Improvement,” and 750 URLs now marked as “Good.”
- Shopping Tab Listings: Increased accuracy with 750 URLs listed, highlighting better structured data alignment.
- Security & Manual Actions: No critical security issues reported, ensuring a robust and secure browsing experience for users.
These improvements underscore the positive impact of the server upgrade on ThatWare’s ability to deliver optimized performance and seamless usability.
4. Boosted Organic Traffic and Rankings
Within weeks of the upgrade, ThatWare observed a significant increase in organic traffic. Pages that previously ranked in lower positions began moving up the search results, primarily due to:
- Faster crawling and indexing.
- Better user experience leading to higher engagement metrics like time on site and lower bounce rates.
- Improved technical SEO scores, which are a critical component of Google’s ranking algorithms.
5. Strengthened Mobile SEO
Given the growing importance of mobile-first indexing, the upgrade also impacted our mobile performance metrics positively:
- Mobile response times saw noticeable reductions, enabling smoother navigation for mobile users.
- Core Web Vitals improvements on mobile devices ensured compliance with Google’s mobile-first standards.
6. Reduced Downtime and Enhanced Reliability
The migration process was carefully planned to minimize downtime. The robust architecture of AlmaLinux 8 ensured seamless operation post-upgrade, reducing server-related issues that could otherwise hinder SEO performance. A stable and reliable server is essential for maintaining search engine trust and avoiding penalties.
7. Enhanced Scalability for Future Growth
AlmaLinux 8’s advanced features, such as better containerization support and streamlined package management, make it highly scalable. This scalability ensures that ThatWare’s website infrastructure can accommodate future growth without compromising performance or SEO outcomes.
8. Positive Signals for Search Engines
Search engines prioritize websites that deliver a seamless and fast user experience. The immediate improvements in crawl efficiency, indexing speed, and page load times sent strong positive signals to Google, reinforcing ThatWare’s credibility and authority in its niche.
Quantitative Results
- Crawl Requests: Increased by 50% (from 600 to 900 per session).
- Average Response Time: Improved by 20% (now at 310ms).
- Organic Traffic: Notable increase within weeks post-upgrade.
- Core Web Vitals: Metrics aligned with “Good” thresholds across the board.
9. Performance Metrics Post-Upgrade
After completing the migration to AlmaLinux 8 and implementing our strategic upgrades, we conducted a detailed performance analysis using GTmetrix to evaluate the real-world impact on website performance. The test, generated on January 10, 2025, from a server location in Vancouver, Canada, provided compelling evidence of the upgrade’s effectiveness.
Key highlights from the performance report for https://thatware.co/ include:
GTmetrix Grade: Achieved an A rating, reflecting top-tier performance metrics.
Web Vitals:
Cumulative Layout Shift (CLS): 0.002, ensuring a stable and visually consistent user experience.
Largest Contentful Paint (LCP): 1.0s, significantly enhancing content load times.
Total Blocking Time (TBT): 0ms, highlighting an absence of delays caused by script execution.
Overall Performance: 98%
Structure: 99%, indicating a highly optimized page structure for search engines and user interaction.
These metrics clearly demonstrate the positive impact of the server upgrade on key SEO performance indicators. Reduced loading times and improved stability contribute directly to enhanced Core Web Vitals scores, which play a crucial role in rankings, user experience, and crawl efficiency.
By leveraging this detailed performance data, we validate our proactive approach to aligning technical infrastructure improvements with ThatWare’s broader SEO goals. This analysis also serves as a benchmark for continuous optimization, ensuring we remain at the forefront of SEO innovation and technical excellence.
Wrapping Up
At ThatWare, the transition from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 was more than a routine upgrade—it was a strategic leap forward in aligning technical efficiency with SEO excellence. This migration showcased how a well-planned infrastructure update could enhance crawl budget utilization, indexing speed, Core Web Vitals, and overall user experience. As we continue to evolve, our focus will remain on proactive server management, leveraging advanced technologies, and aligning infrastructure upgrades with SEO objectives. This roadmap ensures that we not only maintain our competitive edge but also set new benchmarks in digital performance and scalability.
By following these insights, the website owner can retain more users, increase engagement, and ultimately grow their business.
Thatware | Founder & CEO
Tuhin is recognized across the globe for his vision to revolutionize digital transformation industry with the help of cutting-edge technology. He won bronze for India at the Stevie Awards USA as well as winning the India Business Awards, India Technology Award, Top 100 influential tech leaders from Analytics Insights, Clutch Global Front runner in digital marketing, founder of the fastest growing company in Asia by The CEO Magazine and is a TEDx speaker and BrightonSEO speaker..
