Jira Cloud vs. Data Center: How to Choose?

Jira Cloud VS Jira Data Center

Are you struggling to decide between Jira Cloud and Jira Data Center for your organization? This choice can be tough, as each product offers a unique set of advantages. In this post, we will examine the distinctions between Jira Cloud and Data Center. You will find out the main benefits of each version, whether you’re a huge organization in need of reliable, configurable infrastructure or a small business seeking a hassle-free, scalable solution. Let’s explore these two Jira versions to help you make an informed decision.

Jira Cloud Overview

Jira Cloud is based on the Software as a Service (SaaS) concept and is intended to assist teams in organizing, monitoring, and overseeing software development projects. That means that users can concentrate entirely on their projects because Atlassian hosts the application on its servers, taking care of all infrastructure, upgrades, and support.

Cloud version eliminates the need for costly IT resources or local servers in order to administer the program. Jira Cloud can be accessed from any location with an internet connection by users using a web browser. Regardless matter where they are in the world, teams may work together in real-time thanks to this deployment architecture.

Jira cloud advantages

Main Advantages:

  • Simple Setup: Cloud is easy to get up and running. Teams may quickly get up and running because there’s no need to configure servers or install software locally.
  • Lower Upfront Expenses: It is more affordable to set up and maintain than an on-premises solution because it works on a subscription basis.
  • Easier Maintenance: Your team can concentrate on what they do best since Atlassian takes care of all backend tasks

Disadvantages:

  • Less Control: Cloud stores your data on Atlassian servers, giving you less control over it. Although this guarantees great security and availability, it might not satisfy the compliance requirements of businesses with strict data management policies.
  • Possible Latency Problems: Users may suffer latency, which can impair the application’s responsiveness. This is dependent on your location and the state of the network.

Jira Data Center Overview

Jira Data Center (DC) is an enterprise-grade deployment option developed for companies needing extensive control over their project management environment, high availability, and scalable performance. DC runs on self-managed infrastructure, as opposed to Jira Cloud, which means Jira is hosted on the company’s own servers or on cloud infrastructure that is under management.

With more flexibility and control available, this deployment strategy enables companies to tailor their configuration to individual requirements, ranging from tight security requirements to speed optimization.

Jira data center

Main Advantages:

  • More Authority Over Data: Jira Data Center gives businesses complete authority over their data and the way that the infrastructure is run.
  • Enhanced Efficiency: DC’s infrastructure can be tailored and optimized to provide optimal performance, even during peak usage. Because of this, it is appropriate for big teams and intricate projects that call for a high degree of responsiveness and dependability.
  • Security: High-quality protection for sensitive data is ensured by improved security features and the capacity to apply unique security measures.

Disadvantages:

  • Higher Upfront Costs: A substantial upfront investment in hardware, software, and licenses is required to set up a Data Center. There are also continuous expenses related to improvements and maintenance.
  • Setup and Management Complexity: Compared to using Cloud, Jira Data Center deployment and maintenance include additional steps. Every part of the infrastructure needs to be managed by the organization, which can be difficult without qualified staff. These factors include networking, security, and disaster recovery.

Main Criteria to Compare Jira Cloud and Data Center

This table provides a clear comparison of the main criteria to help you evaluate which Jira solution, Cloud or Data Center, is more suitable for your organization’s specific needs and constraints.

CriteriaJira CloudJira Data Center
Deployment ModelSaaS (hosted by Atlassian)Self-managed (hosted on the organization’s infrastructure)
MaintenanceManaged by AtlassianManaged by the organization
ScalabilityAutomatic, seamless scalingCustomizable, requires manual scaling
AccessibilityAccessible from anywhere with an internet connectionAccessible via the organization’s network (or VPN)
Disaster RecoveryManaged by AtlassianRequires custom setup and management
Control Over DataLimited, data hosted by AtlassianFull control, data hosted on the organization’s servers
SecurityStandard cloud security measuresEnhanced, customizable security measures
ComplianceManaged by Atlassian, may not meet all regulatory needsCustomizable to meet specific compliance requirements
CostSubscription-based, lower upfront costsHigher upfront costs, ongoing maintenance expenses
IT Resource RequirementsMinimal, managed by AtlassianRequires dedicated IT resources
Setup ComplexityEasy, quick setupComplex, requires significant setup time and expertise
UpdatesAutomatic updates managed by AtlassianManual updates managed by the organization
CustomizationLimited by the platformHighly customizable to fit organizational needs

To decide what is better for your company, try answering the following questions:

❓ How big is your organization?

Cloud: Suitable for small- to medium-sized companies or groups with basic project management requirements and no need for significant customization.

Data Center: More appropriate for big businesses or organizations requiring high performance and scalability, particularly those with intricate workflows and significant user bases.

❓ What standards do you have for compliance and security?

Cloud: Even though it has strong security features, it might not be able to satisfy the stringent compliance requirements of some businesses (including finance and healthcare), where precise control over data processing and storage is necessary.

Data Center: Gives complete control over data management and security standards, enabling increased security configurations and compliance with particular legislation.

❓ Are you able to manage the deployment of a data center?

Cloud: Ideal for companies with low IT resources, Atlassian handles all infrastructure, upgrades, and maintenance, so there is little need for IT staff to get involved.

Data Center: To handle setup, maintenance, and continuous updates, a substantial amount of IT know-how and resources are required. Make sure your company has a specialized IT staff that can handle these tasks.

❓ What is your budget?

Cloud: Because of its subscription-based business model, which typically has lower upfront expenses, it is initially more cost-effective. But think about the recurring subscription costs.

Data Center: Higher initial, recurring, and software license fees are associated with this facility. Ideal for companies who are prepared to make larger upfront investments in exchange for more customisation and control.

❓ Do you need your team to access Jira from anywhere?

Cloud: Effectively supports remote and dispersed teams by offering simple accessibility from any location with an internet connection.

Data Center: Although it may be accessed remotely, Jira Data Center usually requires VPN connection or other comparable solutions, which may make remote access more difficult than Jira Cloud’s seamless connectivity.

Apps to Enhance Your Experience

If you search the Atlassian Marketplace, you’ll find more apps available for Jira Cloud, it’s over 1000. Add-ons for Jira Data Center are less than 1000 (989). Some of them are available for both hosting types. Let’ look at few examples from SaaSJet Team.

  • Issue History for Jira – a retrospective journal that records every activity on the issue level, so you always know who updated what and when. It helps to audit teamwork and stay accountable for every change.

Free trial: | Data Center | | Cloud |

  • Time in Status  – a powerful tool that tracks and records the time each issue spends in every status, giving you detailed insights into your workflow efficiency. You will know how long the work takes without forcing your team to track time for each issue.

Free trial: | Data Center | | Cloud |

  • Time Between Statuses  – a comprehensive tool that monitors and quantifies the amount of time it takes for issues to move between different workflow statuses. This app helps you identify delays and optimize transitions by showing the time between important workflow steps.

Free trial: | Data Center | | Cloud |

Takeaway

It’s important to evaluate the unique requirements of your organization before deciding between Jira Data Center and Cloud. Cloud’s cost-effective subscription model, minimum maintenance requirements, and simple setup make it the perfect choice for small to medium-sized enterprises. It also offers exceptional flexibility for remote teams. Jira DC, on the other hand, is ideal for large businesses with intricate workflows and strict security needs. It provides more control, customization, and performance optimization, but it also requires a substantial budget and IT personnel. 

Yuliia Borivets

The author of the article

I'm here for writing. I believe every word counts. Aiming to bring value with every single piece I draw up. Loving the Atlassian world and hope to make it closer and more helpful for you.

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