To date, Atlassian has provided support for three types of data storage: Server, Cloud, and Data Center. However, now that server end of support is less than a year away, many businesses are faced with a choice: whether to migrate to Atlassian Cloud or Atlassian Data Center.

→ Learn more about preparing for Atlassian end of server support

Atlassian Cloud vs. Data Center: What’s the Difference?

• Cloud (Software as a Service)

The primary difference between cloud services and data center services is hosting. With Atlassian Cloud, businesses get a Software as a Service (SaaS) solution. This means Atlassian is responsible for hardware, updates, security and data management and processing, allowing you to focus on your core operations. Additionally, with a single cloud platform, you can have more connected experiences across Atlassian products for faster results and easier, more effective collaboration. 

There are several advantages for businesses that migrate to the cloud. Firstly, they can accelerate productivity as APIs can be turned up quickly and updates are easy. Secondly, Atlassian Jira Align is designed to provide visibility, alignment, and productivity for scaled agile organizations, elevating IT impact. 

Atlassian Cloud also offers robust security and compliance to meet global requirements with features like data residency, coverage for SOC2, PCI DSS, ISO 27001/27018, GDPR, and more. Lastly, it takes the frustration out of administration, allowing more time for strategic work and end-user training. 

→ See how Acuity Knowledge Partners optimized processes and achieved greater flexibility and scalability of workflows and processes with a Jira Cloud Migration.

• Data Center (Self-Managed)

This option allows you to host Atlassian products on your business-owned infrastructure or through an external cloud provider like Google, AWS, or Microsoft Azure. As a result, you can keep data within your own environment. However, you also take full responsibility for updates, security, and maintenance, which means you must have your own resources and technical expertise to implement, run, and maintain Atlassian products.

Atlassian Data Center offers robust administrative controls to help you maintain high performance, security and compliance. Additionally, it provides cleanup tools to optimize your data in case you want to migrate to the cloud in the future, along with deployment options for single or clustered nodes.

Atlassian Cloud vs. Data Center: What’s the Right Choice?

Cloud products are more convenient for most organizations because they eliminate the need for manual upgrades and software maintenance, allowing you to shift administrative resources and costs to revenue-generating initiatives. Additionally, Atlassian uses best-in-class technologies and continuously updates and secures its services. Choose cloud to:

• Reduce TCO (total cost of ownership)
• Access expert security support and real-time updates
• Eliminate manual upgrades and maintenance
• Enable scalable collaboration across a global footprint
• Accelerate digital transformation
• Improve compliance

Atlassian Data Center, however, is a better choice for businesses with a significant regulatory or compliance burden that prevents them from accessing a cloud-based solution. In this case, Data Center will provide the performance and reliability needed for business continuity and success in a self-managed environment.

Start your migration plan today 

Whether your organization would benefit more from Atlassian Cloud or Atlassian Data Center migration, it is important to start soon. A migration project can take nine months or more, depending on your company’s size and needs. With Atlassian server support ending in less than a year (server end of life is scheduled for February 15, 2024), businesses must act now to avoid losing support.

Contact e-Core today and speak with one of our Atlassian experts to create the best roadmap for your migration. We’re proud to be part of a select group recognized by Atlassian as specialized partners and the first in the world to earn all specialization badges available. Our team can help you decide the best option for your business needs and ensure your migration project comes in on time, within budget, and provides the tools you need for business success.