Pantheon Hosting for Drupal
Metadrop migrates and manages Drupal on Pantheon: expert WebOps configuration, zero-downtime migration, Integrated Composer and Multidev workflows, performance tuning, and ongoing DevOps support for enterprise-scale platforms.
Metadrop migrates and manages Drupal on Pantheon: expert WebOps configuration, zero-downtime migration, Integrated Composer and Multidev workflows, performance tuning, and ongoing DevOps support — so your team builds features instead of managing servers.
What is Pantheon?
Pantheon is a managed WebOps platform for Drupal and WordPress, built on Google Cloud with 99.99% uptime and multi-zone redundancy. It goes well beyond basic hosting: it delivers a complete, container-based, Git-driven workflow — from a built-in Dev / Test / Live environment model and automated deploys to a Global CDN, managed caching, and one-click updates.
For Drupal specifically, Pantheon ships Integrated Composer (Drupal core managed as a dependency, with one-click updates), native Terminus and Drush support, Object Cache (Redis), and Pantheon Search on Apache Solr — purpose-built tooling for Drupal at scale, not a generic host repurposed for PHP.
Metadrop delivers Pantheon as a fully managed service: we handle architecture, configuration, WebOps, scaling, and ongoing operations while your team focuses on building.
Why Pantheon? Key benefits for technical leaders
Built-in WebOps workflow
A native Dev / Test / Live pipeline with one-click deploys removes hand-built staging servers and the manual "update day". Ship changes with version control and a clear release path.
Multidev environments
Every branch or feature gets an isolated, full-copy environment — code, database, and files — so developers and stakeholders test in a real-world context and merge with confidence.
Integrated Composer updates
Drupal core and contributed modules are managed as Composer dependencies, with one-click upstream and dependency updates straight from the Dashboard — no fragile manual update process.
Global CDN, WAF & autoscaling
A Global CDN with edge caching, a Web Application Firewall, and container infrastructure on Google Cloud absorb traffic spikes without re-architecting or downtime. Enterprise tiers add Advanced Global CDN (AGCDN).
Built-in security & compliance
Automatic backups, DDoS protection, HTTPS management, and advanced threat detection are part of the platform, with SOC 2, GDPR, and FERPA controls — not an afterthought.
Automated maintenance with Autopilot
Pantheon Autopilot runs automated Drupal updates with visual regression testing, reducing the patching overhead that drains internal teams.
Pantheon is powerful. Mastering it for Drupal is the key.
Pantheon gives you the platform. Real-world success depends on a Drupal-native configuration.
This is a professional WebOps platform, not a simple hosting panel. Getting the most from Integrated Composer workflows, Pantheon Search and Object Cache, Multidev, Quicksilver hooks, and AGCDN requires a partner who understands both Drupal and the Pantheon platform at an expert level — so you unlock the full speed, security, and scalability.
We are the Drupal experts for the Pantheon platform
We are Metadrop, a top-15 global Drupal contributor and Silver Certified Partner. We don't just "lift and shift" — we re-architect your application to be native to Pantheon, with the expert setup, fine-tuning, and ongoing maintenance the platform demands.
WebOps configuration
We configure your pantheon.yml, build steps, and Dev/Test/Live workflow, and wire Multidev into your team's branching and review process.
Integrated Composer setup
We bring your Drupal codebase onto Integrated Composer cleanly, so core and module updates become safe, one-click operations rather than risky manual work.
Search & cache integration
We connect Drupal to Pantheon Search (Apache Solr) and Object Cache (Redis) for fast, reliable search and sub-second response times.
Workflow automation
We automate deploys, cron, and post-deploy tasks with Quicksilver hooks and CI/CD, and configure Autopilot for hands-off, tested updates.
Performance tuning
We profile and tune your application — caching, CDN, and database — using New Relic and Pantheon's performance tooling, after migration as well as before.
Managed Pantheon hosting
End-to-end managed operations
Provisioning, deployment pipelines, monitoring, and incident response — Metadrop handles all of it so your in-house team does not have to.
Proactive monitoring & updates
Security patches and Drupal core and module updates ship safely through Integrated Composer and Autopilot, removing the patching overhead that drains internal teams.
Performance at scale
Global CDN, Object Cache (Redis), and Solr-backed search deliver sub-second response times under load, proven on high-traffic, multilingual Drupal platforms.
One accountable partner
A single team for hosting, performance, and support, with clear SLAs and a single escalation path.
Security & European compliance
- ENS certified — a delivery track record across GDPR, WCAG, and NIS2 requirements, on top of Pantheon's own SOC 2 and GDPR controls.
- Data protection by design — automated backups, DDoS protection, and a WAF come with the platform; we configure access controls and data handling for strict requirements.
- Backups, DR & WAF — part of the managed service, not optional extras.
- Risks in plain language — we explain compliance and security risks to non-technical stakeholders, keeping decisions clear at board level.
Our zero-downtime, zero-data-loss migration to Pantheon
A three-phase process engineered for complex, high-traffic Drupal sites — guaranteeing business continuity and data integrity. Planning a broader move? See migrate to Drupal and Drupal upgrade services.
Planning & replication
We fully audit your codebase, database, and files, then create a complete replica on Pantheon (with Integrated Composer, Search, and caching configured) for rigorous testing in an identical environment, without touching your live site.
Final sync & data lock
During a planned low-traffic window, we run a final data synchronization with your original site briefly in read-only mode, so no form submissions, registrations, or content changes are lost.
Coordinated go-live
With the new platform tested and synchronized, we coordinate the DNS switch: a seamless cutover to your faster Pantheon infrastructure, monitored closely for immediate stability.
Moving off an end-of-support or unstable host? We map your migration path and risks, and return a written migration plan within 5 business days.
Who Pantheon hosting is right for
A strong fit if you run a mission-critical, high-traffic, or multilingual Drupal site and want managed WebOps, fast deployments, and production-identical environments without managing infrastructure.
A strong fit if your in-house team lacks Drupal WebOps capacity, or you are moving off an end-of-support or unstable host and want a turnkey, container-based platform.
Less suited if you run a tiny low-traffic site with no compliance or scaling needs — we will tell you honestly and point you to a simpler option.
Pantheon vs Acquia? Both are enterprise-grade managed Drupal platforms. Choose Pantheon for a streamlined WebOps workflow (Multidev, Integrated Composer, Autopilot) and turnkey simplicity; choose Acquia for a Drupal-dedicated DXP built around Acquia's own governance and personalization toolset. We advise on the right fit rather than push one option.
Comparing options? See Acquia hosting, Upsun hosting, and self-hosted infrastructure, or browse all Drupal hosting options.
Why Metadrop for Pantheon
15+ years of Drupal expertise
Silver Certified Partner status, backed by more than a decade of enterprise delivery.
Independent technical governance
A strategic partner that advises on the right architecture rather than simply taking orders.
International reach
50+ countries and 30+ languages supported, built for multilingual, multi-site platforms.
Trusted by enterprises
Saint-Gobain, Telefónica, Solvay, UNICEF, and Save the Children among mission-critical organizations served.
Pantheon Drupal hosting by the numbers
- 15+ years delivering and maintaining Drupal at enterprise scale
- Top-15 global Drupal contributor, and a Silver Certified Partner
- 50+ countries and 30+ languages served on multilingual, multi-site platforms
- 99.99% uptime on Pantheon's Google Cloud infrastructure — with Drupal as a first-class target
Frequently asked questions
What is Pantheon hosting for Drupal?
Pantheon is a managed WebOps platform where Drupal runs in container-based Dev/Test/Live environments on Google Cloud, with Integrated Composer, a Global CDN, managed caching, and search. Metadrop delivers it as a fully managed service.
Is Pantheon good for Drupal?
Yes. It has native Terminus and Drush support, Integrated Composer, Object Cache (Redis), Pantheon Search on Apache Solr, Multidev environments, and a built-in Dev/Test/Live workflow purpose-built for Drupal at scale.
What is Multidev on Pantheon?
Multidev creates isolated, full-copy environments — code, database, and files — for each branch or feature, so teams develop in parallel and preview changes safely before merging to Test and Live.
How do you migrate a Drupal site to Pantheon?
We audit your stack, replicate your site on Pantheon with Integrated Composer, Search, and caching configured, validate under realistic load, then run a final data-locked sync and coordinated go-live with minimal downtime.
Pantheon vs Acquia for Drupal — which should we choose?
Choose Pantheon for a streamlined WebOps workflow and turnkey simplicity; choose Acquia for a Drupal-dedicated DXP with Acquia's governance and personalization tooling. We advise on the right fit for your team and roadmap.
Does Pantheon support Drupal 10 and 11?
Yes. Pantheon supports current Drupal versions, including Drupal 10 and 11, with Integrated Composer and Pantheon Search (Solr 8/9) integration for Drupal 10+.
How much does Pantheon hosting cost?
Pricing depends on your traffic, environments, and managed-service scope. We provide a fixed-scope proposal after a short discovery call.
Do you provide ongoing support after migration?
Yes. Managed hosting includes proactive monitoring, Integrated Composer and Autopilot updates, performance tuning, and defined-SLA support.
Ready to unlock the full power of Drupal on Pantheon?
Stop managing infrastructure and start building features. Tell us about your current stack and we will map your migration plan.