Migrating from Jira Software Data Center to Jira Cloud is a significant step towards leveraging the benefits of cloud-based solutions, such as enhanced scalability, automatic updates, and access to advanced features. The process, while detailed, can be streamlined by using the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant, which allows you to select exactly what data to migrate, ensuring a tailored and efficient transition.
This guide provides a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for your migration journey. Whether you're planning, executing, or validating the migration, it covers everything you need—from pre-migration preparations, such as assessing your data and environment, to post-migration activities like optimising your cloud instance and training users. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition to Jira Cloud while minimising downtime and disruptions.
Pre-Migration Steps
| Task |
Description |
| Assess and Plan |
- Inventory all projects, issues, workflows, custom fields, and configurations.
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- Review user accounts, groups, and permissions, disabling or deleting unused ones.
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- Evaluate third-party apps for compatibility with Jira Cloud.
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- Define migration goals, timeline, and strategy.
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| Prepare the Environment |
- Clean up obsolete data such as old projects and issues.
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NOTE: Ensure you upgrade to the latest version of your server/Data-center instance to ensure that the migration assistance works properly and avoid any migration failures.
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- Set up your Jira Cloud instance and configure necessary apps.
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- Notify stakeholders of the migration timeline and any anticipated downtime.
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Migration Steps
Step 1: Install the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant
| Task |
Description |
| Access the Assistant |
- Go to Jira Administration > Applications in your Data Center instance.
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- Select Jira Cloud Migration Assistant under "Migrate to Cloud."
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| Install the Assistant |
- If not already installed, follow the prompts to install the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Data for Migration
| Task |
Description |
| Review and Clean Data |
- Remove unnecessary projects and issues to streamline migration.
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- Ensure essential data is organised and ready for migration.
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| User Management |
- Verify all user accounts are active and necessary.
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- Replicate user roles and permissions as required.
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| App Compatibility |
- Check the compatibility of installed apps with Jira Cloud.
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- Contact vendors for migration support if necessary.
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Step 3: Configure the Migration in the Assistant
| Task |
Description |
| Launch the Assistant |
- Go to Jira Administration > Applications and select Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.
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| Start a New Migration |
- Click Start a new migration and follow the setup prompts.
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| Choose What to Migrate |
- Select specific data to migrate (e.g., projects, issues, users, and groups).
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| Review Settings |
- Verify migration settings and address any warnings before proceeding.
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Step 4: Run a Test Migration
| Task |
Description |
| Perform a Test Migration |
- Run a migration to a test cloud instance to ensure data integrity.
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| Review Test Results |
- Check for data consistency, integrity, and functionality.
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| Address Issues |
- Resolve any issues identified during the test migration.
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Step 5: Execute the Live Migration
| Task |
Description |
| Prepare for Migration |
- Inform stakeholders about the migration timeline and downtime.
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- Confirm prerequisites are in place (e.g., app compatibility).
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| Run the Migration |
- Start the live migration process in the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.
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| Monitor Progress |
- Track the migration status and address errors as they arise.
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Post-Migration Steps
| Task |
Description |
| Verify Data Integrity |
- Ensure all projects, issues, users, and configurations have been migrated successfully.
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| Configure Cloud-Specific Features |
- Enable and configure features unique to Jira Cloud (e.g., advanced roadmaps).
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| Reinstall and Configure Apps |
- Install and configure apps that weren’t automatically migrated.
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| Communicate with Users |
- Notify users of the migration completion. Provide training if needed.
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| Monitor Performance |
- Use Jira Cloud’s monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance.
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| Conduct a Review |
- Collect feedback from stakeholders and document lessons learned for future migrations.
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Migrating from Jira Software Data Center to Jira Cloud using the "Choose what to migrate" option within the Migration Assistance is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your organisation's agility, scalability, and access to modern cloud features. By following the detailed steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure a seamless transition while preserving the integrity of your data and minimising disruptions to your team’s workflow.
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