Is it possible to merge two instances of JIRA

[Nithin K]

Our organization currently has two instances of JIRA with different projects in each instances and both are running older version of JIRA.

We have installed latest version of JIRA on a new server. Now we want to merge both the instances into the new one.

We have taken XML backup of both the old versions and want to know if its possible to restore both into single new version so that all old projects show up in single instance.

Thanks.

[Gregory Kneller]

I have done such job for one client (250 and 450 users in each instance). I have done it through  database updates and partially  using native Project Import tool. It is not an easy and straightforward task, and aside from technical complexity, it requires attention to existing users and good change control. 

JIRA structures and schemes may differ in both instances dramatically. It is important to have very transparent and clear structure at least in the target instance. 

I used interim instance of the same version (and the same schemes and screens) as the target instance.  I recreated JIRA schemes and  screens in interim's instance database from the dumps of the source instance, and from interim instance into the target instance.

[Boris Georgiev _Appfire_]

We have a special consulting offering for merging two instances of JIRA which includes all issues, project configuration, filters and dashboards. If you are interested contact us at sales@botronsoft.com

[Nithin K]

OLD version of JIRA is 4.0 and new version is 6.2.

[Boris Georgiev _Appfire_]

I would suggest you first upgrade the two old instances from 4.0 to 6.2 and then merge them to ensure that all your projects work on 6.2 as expected and fix any problems that might be caused by the version upgrade.

A potential problem you might have when using import project from backup is JIRA configuration as the project import requires all configuration (schemes, fields, screens, etc...) from System1 to be available on System2 before importing the project.

[Tiago Comasseto]

Hi Nithin,

The best option in this situation is use the import project functionality. This is also suggested in this doc.

Cheers

[Zul NS _Atlassian_]

We do have a KB article on how to merge JIRA instances in https://confluence.atlassian.com/display/JIRAKB/How+to+Merge+JIRA+Instances

Basically, the steps that you would have to take is to use the Restoring a Project from XML Backup feature.

[MattS]

This now brings over some of the Agile data but not data from other add-ons, or filters, dashboards, agile boards etc

[Zul NS _Atlassian_]

Correct. Plugin developer needs to make an improvement to allow importing AO data by referring to https://developer.atlassian.com/jiradev/jira-platform/guides/projects/guide-extending-the-jira-import-plugin

[Boris Georgiev _Appfire_]

What version of JIRA are you old instances running and what version of JIRA is your new instance running ?