Welcome to a new series of articles on (app) migration, just in time for the end of Atlassian server support! In the next few weeks we will examine the following aspects:
The future of draw.io after the end of Atlassian Server (today) The phases of migration How to smoothly switch deployments Goodbye servers! Why you should use a diagram tool that offers integration with Confluence/Jira In comparison: Gliffy and a migration guide
The end of an era
In 2020, Atlassian announced that it would end support for server deployment on February 15, 2024. Your company has probably already dealt with what this means for you and what options are now available to you.
In this post
… let’s look at what February 15th, 2024 will bring for you if you still rely on servers,
… we introduce you to draw.io for cloud and data center so that you can decide for yourself which option is suitable for you in the future
… and provide links to further sources and support.
What happens to draw.io on your server instance
We are part of the “Atlassian Dual Licensing Program”: This program has been expanded and now also includes the server products, provided the relevant users purchase the subscription by February 15, 2024. The Dual Licensing Program ensures you ongoing server support until February 15, 2025, provided you take out a draw.io for Confluence Cloud subscription. You can find all the details on this page.
There is one restriction: We can only offer draw.io support for Confluence Server versions from 8.5 and higher. We therefore recommend updating your Confluence and the draw.io app accordingly (Confluence: 8.5 or higher, draw.io: version 12.2.1).
Assistance with moving
Migration can be extremely challenging – but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we’ve made it a point to ensure that the migration process for draw.io is as simple and understandable as possible – and we’re happy to help you successfully move to the Atlassian Cloud or Data Center. If you have any problems or encounter any hurdles, please contact us – we’re here for you! And because pictures always say more than words alone, we have visualized the process for you below:
Die Migration von Atlassian Data Center/Server in die Cloud
Your Confluence was previously running on-premises? Then you can simply use our macro to ensure that all your diagrams are embedded and linked correctly in the cloud version.
How exactly does this work? You can find more detailed information here:
Switch from one Confluence instance to another
All draw.io attachments and macros will be moved as part of the standard migration process. No data is transferred during the migration and no data is stored outside of Confluence.
Attention: As soon as the move is “complete”, the IDs of your Confluence pages will change! To ensure that this update does not have any negative effects, you only need to change two small settings in your draw.io:
Export the page IDs from your original Confluence instance. Import the page IDs into your new target instance.
So that you are optimally prepared, we will take a look at our article ans Herz.
Migrating Jira On-Prem to the Cloud
Do you use Jira? Great – because when you move from one Jira instance to another, it usually happens automatically and you don’t have to do anything. Things are a little different if you want to migrate from a Jira Server or Jira Data Center instance to the cloud.
Because draw.io diagrams are saved as attachments in Jira issues, a migration requires the diagrams to be edited all in non-binary format in a single revision.
To initiate the migration (note: this process only works in one direction and is irreversible!), proceed as follows:
1. Open the draw.io configuration settings on your admin “Manage Apps” page.
2. Select the “Server to Cloud Migration” tab there.
3. Click “Migrate”.
On this side You will find everything explained in detail so that your move goes smoothly.
You haven’t moved yet? Then we have a few helpful tips for you here:
Try the cloud for free!
Since Atlassian has adopted the “cloud first” slogan, the company is investing heavily in the research and development of its cloud products. Atlassian (still) offers one so that you can test for yourself whether the cloud is the right choice for you free cloud migration trial an.
Here you can test out many cloud-only features in a sandbox environment. And of course you can also get one directly (also free of charge). 30-day trial of draw.io for the cloud to back up!
Of course, Atlassian itself also supports companies and users with migration
“To facilitate a smooth transition, we will offer three years of support and maintenance for server products and provide loyalty discounts for eligible customers to upgrade to our cloud or Data Center products at a lower price. For those ready to explore cloud, we’ve built the Atlassian Migration Program (AMP) which provides you with step-by-step guides, free migration tools, a dedicated migration support team, and a free cloud migration trial for the length of your remaining server maintenance up to 12 months.”
Atlassian Cloud oder Data Center?
Regardless of whether you want to move to the cloud or to the data center: the functionalities of draw.io do not differ significantly in both deployments. So is e.g. B. the diagram editor is almost identical. Features such as embedding diagrams in various pages, finding diagrams using the Confluence search bar or simply migrating a variety of Gliffy diagrams to draw.io are available on both platforms.
The latter is particularly interesting if you are currently using Gliffy on Confluence Server: We recommend migrating to draw.io on the server instance first. (You can carry out the migration in test mode and save costs.) Afterwards, moving to the cloud is almost child’s play. This page provides more in-depth information about this:
Safety is the top priority
Security is our top priority, both in the cloud and on data centers. This means: Your draw.io data remains completely in your browser; They reside securely and exclusively in your Confluence or Jira instance and are only available in Atlassian products and services.
Below is an overview of the fundamental differences between draw.io in the cloud and in the data center:
draw.io in der Cloud
In the cloud you always use the current draw.io version – and this means you are always up to date with the latest features and security updates.
Seamless operation: With the cloud, you avoid maintenance downtime because Atlassian takes care of security, compliance and governance. This saves time and allows you and your company’s IT teams to focus on important projects.
Blocking of data: You are in control. If you want to ensure that no data is transferred, apart from the data traffic between your browser and your server for the Atlassian instances, simply use the lockdown function in the draw.io configuration.
Real-time updates: draw.io updates and new feature releases happen automatically in real time, so you always use the most current and secure version by default.
Collaborative editing: Work on a diagram or whiteboard at the same time as other team members. All changes made by multiple team members are automatically saved.
Smart Templates: Using AI, you can automatically create templates based on your previously defined criteria. draw.io in the data center
If you choose Data Center, you will work in a self-managed environment, just like with server deployment. This gives you full control over all aspects – from security to necessary updates to the design of the infrastructure, as everything happens behind your firewall.
Atlassian hosts all your cloud products in the cloud, and updates occur automatically. In the data center, maintenance and all upgrades are the responsibility of you or the responsible IT team. Both variants have their advantages, depending on the framework conditions and how you want to manage your instance.
You can find a comprehensive comparison in this blog post.
Further sources of information about your migration
Do you need more information? No problem! The following articles (English) could help you, especially about draw.io:
In general, there are numerous articles on this blog and on Atlassian itself about the end of support for servers:
Do you need support or would you like to find out more about your options? Then just take it Contact us come on, we will be happy to advise you!
Come into the world of draw.io
So: Don’t be afraid of EOL Server – you can still use draw.io for all your visualizations, work together on projects and create meaningful diagrams. Secure yours now Free 30-day trial version of draw.io for Jira or Confluence!
Or are you looking for new tips and tricks for the app? In this case you are welcome to contact us Social Media follow – our community is very active and other users often share their experiences here. We would be happy if you would like to be part of it.
If you want to get to know draw.io even better – feel free to click an appointment with one of our specialists for a non-binding demo.
And now: Happy diagramming!
Further information
From Atlassian Server to the Atlassian Cloud: Updated support and evaluation offerings for migration projects in 2023
Podcast: Migration to the Atlassian Cloud – practical tips and answers
Your ISO-compliant quality management system quickly and easily – with draw.io + SoftComply + Confluence
Project planning in Jira made easy – with draw.io or: Pimp your project!
An onboarding flowchart with draw.io – the “Marauder’s Map” for new employees