What is TFS4JIRA Cloud Native? I can't find any documentation on AppFire's website that explains it.

Question

We currently use Jira (cloud) and Azure DevOps (cloud). We have installed the TFS4JIRA extension for Jira. We have TFS4JIRA Synchronizer running on a self hosted VM.

Looking at the latest releases of the Jira extension, it says that they no longer provide support for server apps and the last release was v10.1.5. They also suggest migrating to cloud or data center version of the extension.

I assume this means that they no longer support self hosted Jira with the extension.

This doesnt seem to affect us since we use Jira cloud.

But then in the documentation I see lots of references to "TFS4JIRA Cloud Native - New UI". The description Cloud Native - New UI looks exactly the same as what TFS4JIRA already does. What is the difference? What does it look like?

So is this just a new UI? Is this a new version of the TFS4JIRA extension? Is this a new version of the TFS4JIRA Synchronizer? Is this replacing TFS4JIRA Synchronizer?

I'm already using TFS4JIRA with Jira Cloud and Azure DevOps cloud. Is this a version of TFS4JIRA Synchronizer that is hosted and managed by AppFire? If so, why isn't that explained on the documentation?

Is there a cost associated with this service? Is it free?

Will TFS4JIRA Synchronizer continue to be updated and supported or will it eventually get deprecated in favor of Cloud Native?

Thanks in advance! I spent a few hours this morning trying to figure out this information on my own but I couldnt not find anything on the app fire website.

edgar.sanchez · Answer

Hi Farah! Thanks for getting back to me and thanks for the information.

Regarding the question about costs:

We currently host TFS4JIRA Synchronizer on one of our company VMs. Since it's running on our own hardware it doesn't cost AppFire anything.

TFS4JIRA Cloud Native sounds like you'd be hosting TFS4JIRA Synchronizer on your own infrastructure for customers to use instead of having to set up their own servers.

This means that AppFire will have to pay for servers to run TFS4JIRA Cloud Native, for bandwidth, for CPU/RAM on the servers, etc.

I guess I'm confused as to how there could be no additional costs associated with it.

farah_othman_Appfire_ · Answer

Hi @edgar.sanchez ,

Thank you for your interest in one of our apps, TFS4JIRA!

Please find my answers as follows:

So is this just a new UI? Is this a new version of the TFS4JIRA extension? Is this a new version of the TFS4JIRA Synchronizer? Is this replacing TFS4JIRA Synchronizer?

* Yes, you are right. It is a revamped UI streamlines complexity, offering quicker access to the inherent value of TFS4JIRA. It brings a new and improved UI/UX to TFS4JIRA cloud, promising our users a smoother, more logical, and faster journey from setup to experiencing the full value of TFS4JIRA.
* This is basically a new User Interface (UI) for our customers without changing the TFS4JIRA synchronizer itself. It helps to create a seamless upgrade process for existing customers from the old UI to the new UI.
* Please note that if you recently installed our TFS4JIRA app, you will experience the new UI, as mentioned in the documentation image you attached.
* Refer to this document for more information: TFS4JIRA documentation

I'm already using TFS4JIRA with Jira Cloud and Azure DevOps Cloud. Is this a version of TFS4JIRA Synchronizer that is hosted and managed by AppFire? If so, why isn't that explained on the documentation?

* Yes, you are right. Appfire hosts and manages the TFS4JIRA app, and we manage any updates and maintenance to the versions/UI.
* As you may have seen in the Atlassian Marketplace, TFS4JIRA is an integration solution developed and offered by Appfire.

Is there a cost associated with this service? Is it free?

* I believe you are referring to the apps updates and maintenance, am I right? If so, there will be no additional cost associated with it. 
* You can refer to this page for the TFS4JIRA app pricing here.

Will TFS4JIRA Synchronizer continue to be updated and supported or will it eventually get deprecated in favor of Cloud Native?

* As our Cloud Native version delivers a more streamlined experience to our valued customers, we are committed to providing the best service possible. We will continue to update and support our Cloud Native application to ensure optimal performance and user satisfaction.

Let us know if you have additional inquiries! We are always happy to help.

Thank you.

Warm regards,
Farah

Jacek Wizmur _getint_io_ · Answer

Hi @edgar.sanchez ,

You raised a very interesting point, I do hope that TFS4JIRA will get an updated UI.

For how long do you use TFS4JIRA?

Regarding the Synchronizer - as I remember, they wanted to get rid of the Synchroniser for the Jira Cloud in favor of the Jira Cloud Native. So probably that's what you're referring to.

If you're wondering if TFS4JIRA is the right tool for you, and if using and maintaining an external synchroniser makes sense (TFS4JIRA Synchroniser running on a self hosted VM), I'd be happy to show you the alternative.

As Getint we offer a Jira app that doesn't require any Synchroniser or separate DevOps connectors, works with Jira Server, Jira Cloud, Jira Data Center and many other apps as well, plus you can see commits, pull requests, and branches from Azure DevOps inside a Jira ticket.

TFS4JIRA is very expensive - annual license for Jira Cloud 200 costs now USD 7,350 while our app costs USD 5,530. That's one of the reasons, that Getint is currently the fastest growing Jira integration platform.

More and more customers are making a switch, recently Skoda Auto (VW Group - https://www.getint.io/case-study/azure-devops-jira-integration-skoda-auto), and Siemens.

Here is the link to our app: https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1223931/azure-devops-integration-for-jira-azure-devops-connector?hosting=cloud&tab=overview

We have a special discounts for companies migrating from other tools ;)

best,

Jacek