Jira Server - Upgrading from v7.3.7 to 8.5.4

Question

I am planning to upgrade the current version of Jira Server(version 7.3.7) to a new Server (version 8.5.4). I am assuming that, once the new server is up and running with version 8.5.4, I can take the data backup from the old server and restore it on the new server.

If someone can validate this approach, it would be helpful or share a better approach.

Note: Old JIRA Server uses the H2 Database and has medium amount of data, which needs to be migrated to the New Server.

Craig Castle-Mead_20fp9z · Answer

Hey @Binoy Rajan

That’s the idea, yes. If you have any plugins in Jira it’s data should be restored , but you will have to reinstall the plugins themselves.

We went this route to move from mysql to psql and hit numerous issues that required sanitization (username formats etc), but we had 8 years of data and 20,000+ users over that time that led to a lot of mess, so hopefully your environment is cleaner and xml just works

CCM

Binoy Rajan · Answer

Dear Craig,

Thanks so much for your reply.

I was assuming that, once the backup zip XML data file (generated by Jira) is restored to to the new Server - automatically old data will be pushed or recreated on the new Jira Server's database - including issues, user information, etc. Is that correct or any ideas on this. Thanks in advance.

Craig Castle-Mead_20fp9z · Answer

Hey Binoy,

I would suggest a three step approach:

* migrate from the h2 database to your desired database (I’ve found best results with psql if that’s an option)
* uograde to 8.5.4
* Migrate servers

I would do each of these as distinct steps and leave at least a few days between each. If you upgrade, move, change db all in one hit and something goes wrong, it’s hard to figure out what and you may need to go back to the start to resolve issues instead of unwinding one step.

CCM