Upgrading old (7.12.1) Jira to 8.14. SQL database 2014 to 2016.

[Ward Galanis]

Hello,

I have been tasked with upgrading a Jira server as shown above.  It has been ignored for several years and the users noted that 7.12.1 was going EOL.  The instructions for upgrading seem "simple" just run the upgrade package as long as the DB was upgraded to 2016 or later.  Somehow, I don't think it is that straightforward.

The app server and the SQL server are separate VMs running 2016 and 2012 R2 respectively.  The SQL server is running several instances and 2016 is running on that server.

Regarding the database, can I just backup up the db and then restore to the newer version or is there something else needing doing so that part works?

Regarding the app server, is it as straightforward as I perceive?  Previous experience with Java based (Apace) server apps have always been somewhat complex.

I  was thinking that I could just back up the configurations, blow away what is there and then install clean.  I'm not a Jira user at all, just the IT guy tasked with doing this.

[Ismael Jimoh]

Hi @Ward Galanis 

On this topic, I’ll suggest doing your upgrades in batches separated into upgrading the database and then the application. do the following:

1. Check the latest compatible version of SQL database with your current JIRA version (see Jira supported platform document)
2. Backup your Jira database directly.
3. Upgrade your database to a version compatible for both your target and current versions
4. Restore the database.
5. Start and confirm Jira works with the new database now.
6. When everything is okay, upgrade your Jira to version 8.0.0 (as this is a major version upgrade, it is often safer to go to the base version first, upgrade all addons there before going further)
7. once Jira is at 8.0, you can proceed to upgrade to version 8.14 (I will recommend 8.13 for LTS unless you want a feature released in 8.14)

The above would be my suggestion for the upgrade the only other things I would consider are:

• Run this on a test system first and document the process. This ensures if it fails your main server is not impacted,
• Read the supported platform and release notes to ensure you are aware of any major changes to the application 

Hopefully, this helps.

Best.

[Ward Galanis]

I have an SQL S2016 server available (the instance is running on the same box).  Do I just restore from the 2014 backup to 2016 or is there a routine necessary to upgrade the database, i.e. updated stored procedures and the like?

Then point the existing Jira to the new db?