Introducing Data Residency: Enhancing Data Security and Compliance

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Hello fellow Jira users, is data residency important for you? Have you ever had to switch applications because data residency requirements were not met?

We at Elements are excited to announce the release of a new feature in our apps Elements Copy & Sync and Elements Publish: Data Residency.

This update allows you to specify where your data is stored, ensuring compliance with local regulations and enhancing data protection.

What is Data Residency?

Data residency refers to the practice of storing data within a specific geographic location to meet local regulations and company policies. It means your data isn’t just floating in the cloud; it’s housed in a physical location that you can choose based on your needs and compliance requirements. This is crucial for businesses handling sensitive information or operating in industries with stringent data protection regulations.

Why is Data Residency Important?

Compliance with Legal and Regulatory Requirements

Different countries and regions have varying laws concerning data storage and protection. For example, the European Union's General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates that personal data of EU citizens be stored and processed within the EU or in countries with equivalent data protection standards. With data residency, you can ensure compliance with such regulations, avoiding potential legal issues. In the United States, different states may have their own regulations that businesses need to adhere to, adding another layer of complexity that data residency helps to manage effectively.

Enhanced Security

Storing data in specific regions subjects it to local security measures and protocols, providing an additional layer of protection against cyber threats. This is particularly important for businesses handling sensitive information, such as financial institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies. Enhanced security protocols in certain regions can provide peace of mind, knowing that your data is protected by the latest and most stringent security measures available.

Customer Trust

Transparency about where and how customer data is stored can significantly boost customer trust and confidence. Customers today are increasingly aware of data privacy issues and are more likely to trust and engage with businesses that take their data protection seriously.

Where Does Elements Copy & Sync and Elements Publish Store Your Data?

Currently, our apps support data storage in the following regions:

• USA

• Germany (Frankfurt)

If you require data storage in another region, please reach out to our support team. We are here to help you meet your specific needs.

By offering multiple storage options, you can choose the location that best aligns with your operational needs and customer base, ensuring compliance with local laws and enhancing data security. The flexibility to choose your data storage region also allows you to optimize your data management strategy according to the specific legal, operational, and customer service requirements of your organization.

What Data is Covered by Data Residency?

Our data residency feature covers several types of data, ensuring comprehensive protection and compliance:

• Configuration Settings: These include various settings and preferences configured within the Copy & Sync app. Ensuring these settings are stored in a compliant region helps maintain the integrity and security of your application setup, making sure that all configurations adhere to local legal standards.

• Issue Associations: This covers all data related to issue tracking, including links between different issues. By keeping this data within specified regions, you ensure that your tracking and management processes are compliant with local regulations, providing a seamless experience for users who rely on these associations for their workflow.

How to Get Started with Data Residency in Copy & Sync and Publish

Setting up data residency is simple:

• For New Users: When you install Copy & Sync, your data will automatically be stored in the Jira instance's region, if supported. This automatic configuration makes it easy for new users to get started without worrying about manual setup.

• For Existing Users: You will need to move Elements apps after the completion of Jira migration to your preferred data residency location. Follow Atlassian straightforward process to move your data to your preferred region. To request a data residency move, follow these steps:

  1. Go to admin.atlassian.com.

  2. Select your organization.

  3. Navigate to Security > Data residency.

  4. Select View details in the data residency table.

  5. Choose the Eligible tab and select Move apps.

  6. Follow the steps to review and submit your data residency move request.

Important: Data residency moves must be requested at least three days in advance and can result in up to 24 hours of downtime. Notify your users and partners of the planned downtime to ensure a smooth transition. Additionally, consider scheduling the move during a low-traffic period to minimize the impact on your operations.

If you need assistance during this process, our support team is just a click away. We are committed to helping you ensure that your data is stored in the right place to meet your needs.

Check our documentation about data residency.

Conclusion

By choosing Elements Copy & Sync and Elements Publish with data residency, you are taking a significant step towards better data security and compliance. This feature not only helps you comply with local regulations but also enhances customer trust by being transparent about where and how their data is stored. Data residency is not just about legal compliance; it’s about demonstrating a commitment to protecting your customers' data and respecting their privacy.

Moreover, implementing data residency can ensure that your data management practices align with your business strategy. This holistic approach to data management supports your business growth and fosters stronger relationships with your customers.

Ready to enhance your data security? Learn more about Elements Copy & Sync and Elements Publish and start today!