Atlassian has announced it will phase out Jira Data Center. Hardly a surprise, but it calls for a clear response. The clock is ticking: as of 28. März 2029, Jira Data Center will be available in read-only mode. From März 2026, no new licenses will be available, and from März 2028 the option to extend existing licenses will end. The end is in sight—something that should already be embedded in many organizations’ strategic plans.
Between security concerns and a cloud perspective:
Decisions are getting closer
Public-sector organizations, as well as companies with sensitive data, have so far stayed away from the cloud. Data protection was seen as an obstacle; questions about data integrity and control over processes dominated the discussion. Jira Data Center allowed database access, deep customizations, and configurations for complex requirements. For a long time, these degrees of freedom could not be replicated in the cloud to the same extent.
With Atlassian’s announcement, the focus is shifting. Jira Data Center will remain in operation for a few more years, but the deadlines set limits. Read-only after 2029 means standstill—no editing, no process control. Planning new projects on this basis would be risky. Now, at the latest, clear decisions are needed: migration, rebuild, or transitional solutions.
Honicon has been supporting organizations for years in working with Jira, Confluence, and Assets. We understand the architecture of Jira Data Center, working with databases, the interplay with Confluence as a documentation platform, and the integration of Assets for information about objects and resources. Complex systems with interlocking processes have been our everyday work for years. This experience provides the foundation to secure the path into the future.
A look at public-sector practice shows the scale. Jira structures application processes, approvals, and deadlines. Confluence documents decisions, provides information, and enables collaboration across departments. Assets complements this environment with data on buildings, contracts, or devices. Data Center made it possible to run this world on your own infrastructure, with full control and direct access to databases.
The cloud changes the perspective. Atlassian is channeling almost all innovation into the cloud. Security features, integrations, automations—this is where they land. At the same time, the pressure is mounting to review existing Data Center environments in good time. By 2028 at the latest, the ability to adjust licenses will cease. Anyone who waits until 2029 will be left with a frozen system.
The debate about data protection has not lost its importance. Public institutions and companies with strict security requirements still view the cloud critically. Yet reality is evolving: data centers in Europe, ISO and BSI certifications, contractual guarantees. Security questions remain, but the answers today differ from those of a few years ago.
Atlassian stops accepting new Data Center apps in the Marketplace.
New customers can no longer purchase licenses for Data Center products.
Existing customers can no longer purchase licenses for Data Center products.
Support and maintenance for Data Center products will be discontinued.
Analysis and planning for the transition
Honicon analyzes existing systems, identifies critical dependencies, and plans migration paths. Every system has its own specifics. Some workflows can be transferred to the cloud almost unchanged; others require adjustments, and in certain cases a complete rebuild makes sense. Our experience with databases, interfaces, and complex workflows enables assessments that go beyond standard migrations.
In addition, we support leaders and users with structured change management and targeted training, so that work in the new environment runs smoothly and gains acceptance.
This is a strategic decision for organizations. Remaining on Data Center until 2029 is possible, but the window is narrowing. Parallel operations, cloud pilot projects, evaluations of security requirements—all of this calls for early planning. A last-minute switch introduces unnecessary risks.
Moving to the cloud creates opportunities: centralized administration, scalable architectures, access for distributed teams, and integration of new capabilities. Public authorities facing rising demands for transparency and speed gain flexibility. At the same time, it remains essential to ensure processes comply with data protection and security requirements.
With HONICON safely through the transition
into the next Atlassian generation
The outlook is clear: Jira Data Center is gradually losing its foundation. Atlassian has set the course. The public sector and companies with complex systems must decide whether to move to the cloud or develop alternative scenarios. Waiting without a plan leads to a dead end.
Honicon is ready as a partner that not only knows the systems but also works deep within their structures. We assess existing installations, design scenarios for migration or greenfield builds, and accompany implementation. Our experience with Jira, Confluence, and Assets spans from classic on-premise architectures to modern cloud environments. This perspective on both worlds provides assurance throughout the transition.
Exiting Jira Data Center is inevitable. The deadlines are set, the parameters clear. Organizations that act now safeguard their processes, avoid disruptions, and position themselves for the future. Atlassian is pulling the plug—the path to the future is open, with clear opportunities and risks. A partner with experience makes the difference.
Successfully into the future!
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