Step-by-Step Guide: Migrating Jira Data Center to Jira Cloud Using the Migration Assistant

[#1]

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.
	Review user accounts, groups, and permissions, disabling or deleting unused ones.
	Evaluate third-party apps for compatibility with Jira Cloud.
	Define migration goals, timeline, and strategy.
Prepare the Environment	Clean up obsolete data such as old projects and issues.
	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.
	Set up your Jira Cloud instance and configure necessary apps.
	Notify stakeholders of the migration timeline and any anticipated downtime.

---

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.
	Select Jira Cloud Migration Assistant under "Migrate to Cloud."
Install the Assistant	If not already installed, follow the prompts to install the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.

Step 2: Prepare Your Data for Migration

Task	Description
Review and Clean Data	Remove unnecessary projects and issues to streamline migration.
	Ensure essential data is organised and ready for migration.
User Management	Verify all user accounts are active and necessary.
	Replicate user roles and permissions as required.
App Compatibility	Check the compatibility of installed apps with Jira Cloud.
	Contact vendors for migration support if necessary.

Step 3: Configure the Migration in the Assistant

Task	Description
Launch the Assistant	Go to Jira Administration > Applications and select Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.
Start a New Migration	Click Start a new migration and follow the setup prompts.
Choose What to Migrate	Select specific data to migrate (e.g., projects, issues, users, and groups).
Review Settings	Verify migration settings and address any warnings before proceeding.

Step 4: Run a Test Migration

Task	Description
Perform a Test Migration	Run a migration to a test cloud instance to ensure data integrity.
Review Test Results	Check for data consistency, integrity, and functionality.
Address Issues	Resolve any issues identified during the test migration.

Step 5: Execute the Live Migration

Task	Description
Prepare for Migration	Inform stakeholders about the migration timeline and downtime.
	Confirm prerequisites are in place (e.g., app compatibility).
Run the Migration	Start the live migration process in the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant.
Monitor Progress	Track the migration status and address errors as they arise.

Post-Migration Steps

Task	Description
Verify Data Integrity	Ensure all projects, issues, users, and configurations have been migrated successfully.
Configure Cloud-Specific Features	Enable and configure features unique to Jira Cloud (e.g., advanced roadmaps).
Reinstall and Configure Apps	Install and configure apps that weren’t automatically migrated.
Communicate with Users	Notify users of the migration completion. Provide training if needed.
Monitor Performance	Use Jira Cloud’s monitoring tools to ensure optimal performance.
Conduct a Review	Collect feedback from stakeholders and document lessons learned for future migrations.

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.

[Mirek]

Hi @Muhammed Al Hashedi 

I think what is missing here and which is pretty important I guess is that in pre-migration step you should upgrade your Server/Data Center to have the latest version of the migration assistant.

https://support.atlassian.com/migration/docs/jira-pre-migration-checklist/

"Make sure Jira is running on a supported version, otherwise, the Migration Assistant will not work"

Do you agree? 

[Muhammed Al Hashedi]

@Mirek  Yes, I agree. It is important to ensure that your Jira Server/Data Center is running on a supported version before starting the migration process. This is because the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant requires a compatible version to function properly. If your Jira instance is not on a supported version, the Migration Assistant may not work as expected, potentially leading to migration failures.

Thanks for the addition, you are certainly an asset to our community.