Jira Data Center Migration: 2026 Planning Guide
Three paths, honest comparison, practical timeline — whether you’re migrating to Cloud or staying until 2029
The Date Everyone’s Thinking About
Atlassian stops selling new Data Center licenses. That’s Q1 2026.
Planning your Jira Data Center migration? Whether you’re moving to Cloud in 2026 or staying on Data Center until 2029, this year is your planning window.
This isn’t about what you SHOULD do. This is about what you NEED to know to make informed decisions about your Jira Data Center migration path.
Full transparency: I’m a DC app vendor. I have skin in the game. But this guide is about helping you navigate your Jira Data Center migration with clarity, not anxiety — regardless of which path you choose.
Jira Data Center Migration: Official Timeline for 2026
Before diving into migration paths, here’s what Atlassian has officially announced about the Data Center end-of-life timeline.
Confirmed Atlassian Dates
| Event/Deadline | Date | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| End of new DC sales | March 30, 2026 | Last chance to purchase NEW DC licenses |
| End of sales to existing customers | March 30, 2028 | Last chance to renew existing DC licenses |
| Data Center End of Life | March 28, 2029 | DC becomes read-only, no more updates |
| Team ’26 Anaheim | May 5-7, 2026 | Expect more Cloud/migration announcements |
New Cloud Features Coming in 2026
For teams considering Jira Data Center migration to Cloud, these new features may influence your decision:
- Isolated Cloud: Single-tenant option for compliance requirements
- Units: Business unit isolation within Cloud instance
- Service Collection: Mandatory for JSM (includes AI features)
- Rovo Desktop/Mobile: Standalone apps for AI-powered work
Your Jira Data Center Migration Timeline
Three Jira Data Center Migration Paths (No Judgment Edition)
Different organizations have different needs. Here are the three main Jira Data Center migration paths teams are taking, with honest assessments of each.
Staying on Data Center Until 2029
- Custom integrations that can’t move to Cloud
- Compliance requirements not met by Isolated Cloud
- Performance requirements (large datasets, custom hardware)
- Budget constraints for Cloud pricing
- Strategic timeline (planning major system change after 2026)
What to Do in 2026:
- Optimize your current instance (you have 3 years, make them good)
- Evaluate app roadmaps (which DC apps will maintain support until 2029?)
- Plan for eventual migration or alternative (even if it’s 2028)
- Document customizations and integrations (your 2028 self will thank you)
- Consider data archival strategy
Budget: Maintenance only
Team: Current staff OK
Timeline: No urgency for migration
Migrating to Jira Cloud in 2026
- Ready to move to Cloud infrastructure
- Isolated Cloud meets compliance needs
- Want to reduce infrastructure overhead
- Leadership mandate for Cloud migration
- Taking advantage of Cloud-only features (Rovo, Analytics)
Your Jira Data Center Migration Plan for 2026:
Q1: Proof-of-Concept
- Test app compatibility (Marketplace apps Cloud versions)
- Test integrations (API changes, SSO, user provisioning)
- Test performance with real data volume
- Calculate Cloud pricing accurately
Q2: Business Case
- Present migration findings to leadership
- Get budget approval for Cloud migration
- Align with fiscal year planning
Q3: Plan and Prepare
- Create migration timeline (recommend 6-12 months)
- Develop user communication plan
- Identify training requirements
- Plan customization rebuilds (if needed)
Q4: Begin Migration
- Start Data Center migration or finalize 2027 start date
Budget: Cloud licenses + migration consulting + training
Team: Dedicated project time (or hire help)
Timeline: 12-18 months for full migration
Still Evaluating Migration Options
- You need more information about migration
- Waiting for Isolated Cloud details
- Waiting for budget cycle
- Organizational changes pending
What to Do in 2026 (Decision-Focused):
Q1: Information Gathering
- Document current state: apps, integrations, customizations
- List compliance and performance requirements
- Research Cloud readiness: check Cloud app versions
- Calculate Cloud pricing with real user count
- List your migration blockers: what cannot move? What needs rebuild?
Q2: Evaluation
- Run trial migration with test instance
- Get quotes from Atlassian partners for migration help
- Survey key stakeholders (developers, project managers)
- Attend Team ’26 or watch recordings
Migration Decision Point: End of Q2
By June 2026, decide: Cloud migration or DC until 2029
Budget: Evaluation costs (trial Cloud instance, consulting hours)
Team: Part-time evaluation focus
Timeline: Migration decision by mid-2026
Jira Data Center Migration: Key Questions for H1 2026
Use this checklist to guide your Jira Data Center migration evaluation, regardless of which path you’re leaning toward.
Technical Migration Questions
- Are all our critical apps available in Cloud?
- Can our integrations work with Cloud APIs?
- Does Cloud meet our compliance requirements?
- Can Cloud handle our data volume and performance needs?
- What customizations need to be rebuilt for Cloud migration?
Business Questions for Migration
- What’s the total cost of Cloud migration (3-year comparison)?
- What’s the migration project cost (consulting, training, downtime)?
- What’s the cost of staying on DC (hardware, maintenance, team time)?
- What’s the risk of staying vs. migrating?
- When does our budget cycle allow for this migration decision?
People Questions for Migration
- Who needs to approve this migration decision?
- How will users react to Cloud migration?
- Do we have skills for Cloud admin (different than DC)?
- What training is needed for Cloud migration?
- What’s the change management process for migration?
Jira Cloud vs Data Center: Migration Comparison
Understanding the differences helps inform your Jira Data Center migration decision.
| Aspect | Jira Cloud | Jira Data Center |
|---|---|---|
| Infrastructure | Managed by Atlassian No server maintenance |
Self-hosted Full control, full responsibility |
| Updates | Automatic, every 2 weeks Can’t control timing |
Manual, on your schedule Test before deploy |
| Customization | Limited (Forge apps only) No server-side code |
Extensive (Java plugins, Groovy) Full server access |
| Performance | Shared infrastructure Isolated Cloud for enterprises |
Dedicated hardware Scale as needed |
| Data Residency | Select region during setup Limited region options |
On your servers Complete control |
| Pricing Model | Per user/month subscription Costs scale with users |
One-time license + annual maintenance Hardware costs separate |
| Support | 24/7 from Atlassian Included in subscription |
Self-support or partner You own infrastructure issues |
| AI Features | Rovo, Atlassian Intelligence Cloud-exclusive |
Limited or none No Rovo support planned |
Jira Data Center Migration Resources
Official Atlassian Migration Resources
- Data Center End-of-Life FAQ
- Cloud Migration Assistant
- Isolated Cloud Documentation
- Migration Partner Directory
Community Migration Resources
- Atlassian Community Migration Forum
- “So Long, Data Center” by The Jira Guy
- Eficode Migration Strategies (Blog)
Your Jira Data Center Migration Timeline
Your deadline isn’t March 2026 — that’s just the sales cutoff.
Your real deadline is March 2029, and that’s three years away.
But 2026 IS your planning year for Jira Data Center migration. The teams that start planning now will have options. The teams that wait until 2028 will have pressure.
Whatever path you choose — Cloud migration, DC until 2029, or somewhere in between — I hope this framework helps you plan with clarity instead of anxiety.
Here’s to a clear-headed 2026 migration planning.
Questions About Your Jira Data Center Migration?
Every organization’s migration path is different. If you want to talk through your specific scenario — DC apps, migration blockers, timeline questions — just reply to this email or reach out at support@votazz.co
Last updated: January 2026
Part of our commitment at Votazz to help Jira administrators navigate Data Center migration with confidence.