Skip to main content

Launching Your Site

When you're prepared to launch your Stacks website, you'll collaborate closely with your assigned EBSCO Implementation Project Manager or Library Service Engineer to facilitate the Go Live process. Adhering to these steps will guarantee a smooth and effective launch.

1. Choose a Domain

Choose a reliable DNS service provider which offers the necessary features, security, and scalability for your website. You can purchase your domain from any DNS provider. Select a domain name that reflects your brand or website's focus while being aware of the following criteria:

Examples of acceptable domains or subdomains:

  • https://www.example.com
  • https://example.academy; or
  • https://library.example.com

Alternatively, you can select any available sub-domain of stacksdiscovery.com, such as:

  • https://example.stacksdiscovery.com

It is important to note that the domain name cannot include non-alphanumeric characters. The following are examples of domains that are not acceptable:

2. Select & Schedule a Launch Date

After obtaining your domain name from a DNS service provider, work with your Implementation Project Manager (or LSE) to establish a suitable Go Live date. Launches can be scheduled during normal business hours (Monday through Friday from 11 am - 6 pm Eastern), excluding holidays.

IMPORTANT: Launch Requests must be scheduled a minimum of 5 business days before the desired launch date to ensure adequate support is available.

 

3. Update Your DNS Settings

IMPORTANT: DNS Settings must propagate before the launch can be completed. To avoid delays, please complete these steps at least 4-6 hours BEFORE your scheduled launch date & time. 

These instructions are guidelines for updating your DNS settings and may differ from the DNS administration portals you may use. If you need assistance updating DNS settings, please contact your DNS service provider or refer to this Google documentation.

  1. Log into Domain Registrar Account: Access the account with the domain registrar where you purchased your domain name. This is where you'll manage DNS settings.

  2. Locate DNS Management: Navigate to the DNS management section. This might be labeled as "DNS settings," "Name Server Management," or something similar.

  3. Add or Edit DNS Records: Your IPM (or LSE) will advise you which records to add/edit.

      • CNAME Record: This will be provided in the format of a########.stacksplatform.site.
      • A Record: An IP Address will be provided when applicable. This is only required if your site uses a root domain (non-www).
         
  4. Save Changes: After editing each record, save your changes. Some registrars might require you to confirm changes before applying them.

  5. Test Website: Once changes have propagated (can be instant or take a few hours), type your domain in a browser to ensure it directs to the correct location.

  6. Advise EBSCO: Please inform your implementation project manager, LSE, or EBSCO representative once you have completed the DNS changes.

4. Stacks will Launch your site

A member of the Stacks team will verify that DNS Settings have been updated and propagated using a DNS checker tool. If propagation has successfully occured the Stacks team will finalize the launch process by moving your site to the production server. Your IPM will inform you once this has been completed.

To avoid potential loss of data on your Stacks site, do not make any changes to your Stacks site until you have received confirmation your site has gone live. 

Additional Domain Transfer Resources

Was this article helpful?
0 out of 0 found this helpful
Return to top