Upgrade Jira Server to latest version 9.12.1

[Naga Behara]

Hi,

We are planning to upgrade our current JIRA 8.20.12 server type to latest version 9.11.2. Given that support for Server products is scheduled to end on Feb. 15, 2024, we are currently in a position where a decision needs to be made regarding whether to stay on the current version or proceed with an upgrade to the new version.

We are currently planning to migrate from the server to the cloud within the next 3 to 4 months. Given this impending transition, we are uncertain whether upgrading to the Long-Term Support (LTS) version at this point is the correct decision. Your guidance on how best to proceed in this situation would be greatly appreciated

[Naga Behara]

Hi @Asha Goyal 

I had gone through the Topfeatures and Critical Bug fixes for 9.12.x release notes and I've observed that the majority of features and bug fixes seem to be geared towards supporting Data Center rather than Server. Can you please confirm if this is the case?

Also, we are planning to migrate to Jira cloud within the next 3 to 4 months. I'm uncertain about the necessity for a Data Center license. Could you kindly provide insights into why opting for a Data Center license is recommended in our situation?

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

I'm afraid Asha is a robot using AI to post bad answers.

Atlassian server products are going away in a few weeks (15th February 2024), as a result of Atlassian choosing to stop all server development a few years ago.

But DC and Server are the same thing.  Technically, next month, all "server" licences end.  The change you will see is that your admins will get a warning that you are unsupported in a popup or warning box.

If you need support past 15th Feb, you will need to migrate to Cloud or DC before then.  Cloud migrations are complex (Jira Cloud and Jira Server/DC are very different systems), but server to DC is easier - add a DC licence to a Server install (and for all you apps).

TLDR: Since Atlassian introduced DC, Server went away.  All Server and DC installs are the same thing.