These are the 15 most common questions and answers regarding the Atlassian Cloud migration of our customers:
How complex is the migration process?
The migration process varies depending on company size and the complexity of the existing Atlassian environment. Typical steps include planning, data cleansing, test migrations, and the final migration. Challenges may arise with the integration of third-party apps and the adaptation of workflows.
Depending on complexity, a migration takes between one and twelve months. Most of the effort goes into analysing the existing instances: the number of apps, custom fields, workflows and integrations, and how many instances need to be merged. The same factors drive the cost.
Information about our Atlassian Cloud migration process can be found here: Atlassian Cloud Migration Best Practices.
What support is available during the migration?
Atlassian provides extensive documentation and support, as well as a Migration Assistant. In addition, certified Atlassian Solution Partners are available who can accompany the entire migration process. For complex migrations, it is recommended to work with an Atlassian Solution Partner with Cloud certification.
How can downtime during the migration be minimised?
Thorough planning and test migrations are crucial. It is recommended to migrate outside of business hours when few or no users are using Jira, Confluence, and Co. Also ensure that you communicate the migration to all users in advance and subsequently provide the most important information (such as URL, login, changes, etc.). For complex migrations and the introduction of new software to the workforce, it is also sensible to consider using Change Management strategies to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Is the Atlassian Cloud GDPR-compliant and secure?
Yes, the Atlassian Cloud is GDPR-compliant and offers robust security measures. This includes encryption, regular security audits, and certifications such as ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Detailed information on security in the Atlassian Cloud can be found on this page.
Security also covers identity and access management (IAM). In the cloud, each person has one Atlassian account for every product they are allowed to use. Once the company domain is verified, every account with that address becomes a managed account of the organisation. With Atlassian Guard, formerly Atlassian Access, people sign in via SAML single sign-on through the existing identity provider, such as Microsoft Entra ID, Okta or Google Workspace, and users and groups sync automatically via SCIM. This connection should be in place before the production migration so that groups and permissions are right on day one.
How does the migration affect existing workflows, customisations and integrations?
Most standard workflows and integrations work seamlessly in the cloud. Custom modifications may need to be revised. It is recommended to review, test, and check whether the plugin is available in the cloud for all workflows, integrations, and plugins before the migration.
What are the cost implications of moving to the cloud compared to on-premises?
In the long term, the cloud can be more cost-effective due to reduced hardware and maintenance costs. The cloud pricing structure is based on a subscription model. A detailed cost comparison should be part of the migration planning. You can get an initial assessment of cloud prices here: Atlassian Cloud Pricing.
What the migration itself costs depends on the scope. We name the price on request.
How do we prepare our users for the change?
Clear communication and training are crucial. Create a change management plan that includes training materials, FAQ lists, and support channels. Introduce pilot groups to collect feedback and make adjustments. Furthermore, we also recommend using change management strategies to plan the changes thoroughly in advance and involve all users continuously in the process.
Can we migrate all data, including attachments and historical information?
In most cases, yes. Atlassian's migration tools support the transfer of data, attachments, and history information. It is important to perform data cleansing before the migration and to check whether special data types require special treatment.
How does cloud performance compare to on-premises?
Cloud performance is generally very good and scales automatically. Atlassian guarantees 99.9% availability for enterprise customers. Actual performance can be influenced by factors such as internet connection and geographic location.
What new features do we gain by moving to the Atlassian Cloud?
Cloud customers benefit from automatic updates, improved mobility, and new features such as advanced analytics, AI-powered insights, and seamless integration between Atlassian products.
How scalable is the cloud solution for our future growth?
The Atlassian Cloud is highly scalable and grows with your business. You can easily add or reduce users and switch between different plans to meet your needs.
What happens to our existing licences and how does pricing work in the cloud?
Existing server licenses can often be converted into cloud subscriptions. Cloud pricing is based on the number of users and the chosen plan. Atlassian offers migration programs that facilitate the transition.
Data Center comes with fixed deadlines: since 30 March 2026, new customers can no longer buy Data Center licences or Marketplace apps. From 30 March 2028, existing customers can no longer buy new Data Center licences, Marketplace apps or licence expansions either. Renewals remain possible until 28 March 2029 at the latest. On that day the licences expire, after which the systems are read-only.
How can we consolidate multiple instances or projects during the migration?
Atlassian provides tools and guidelines for consolidating multiple instances. This requires careful planning and can be complex. It is recommended to work with us as an Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner and cloud experts to develop the best strategy.
What training or resources are available to support our team in adapting to the cloud environment?
Atlassian offers extensive documentation, webinars, and online courses. The Atlassian University section contains specific cloud migration courses. Additionally, customised training can be arranged through Atlassian partners.
How does the migration affect our existing apps and integrations?
Many popular apps are available in the cloud, but not all. Check the compatibility of your apps in the Atlassian Marketplace. Some apps may require updates or alternatives. Plan the app migration as a separate step in your migration process.
