Difference between Jira and Jira Server

Jira and Jira server are two well-known foundations in the field of project management software, each providing customers with unique benefits and features. Despite having the same core, their feature sets and deployment strategies forge different routes in supporting teams’ and organizations’ demands for communication and project tracking. Let’s learn about their differences in this article.

What is Jira?

Jira is designed to assist teams in effectively organizing, monitoring, and overseeing their workload. It is hosted by Atlassian and provides a feature-rich project management and problem-tracking application. It offers a central platform where teams can assign roles, set tasks, monitor progress, and work together productively to complete projects on schedule. Jira supports multiple project management approaches, such as Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and more, with its customizable workflows, agile boards, and robust reporting features. Teams of various sizes and sectors can benefit from its flexibility and scalability, which enable them to improve productivity, streamline procedures, and produce high-quality outcomes.

Features of Jira

1. Cloud-based deployment: Hosted on Atlassian’s servers and available from any location with an internet connection through web browsers.
2. Mobile Accessibility: Users may manage projects while on the go with the use of mobile apps that are available for iOS and Android smartphones.
3. Collaboration Tools: Functionalities such as real-time activity streams, shared dashboards, and Kanban boards that facilitate team collaboration.

What is a Jira Server?

Jira server is the Jira software self-hosted deployment option from Atlassian, which enables businesses to set up, install, and utilize Jira on their infrastructure. Jira Server gives users complete control over their instance, allowing for customization, tool integration, and management of security and privacy settings for data. Jira Server can be customized by teams to meet their unique requirements by changing fields, workflows, and permissions to fit the demands of their projects. Jira Server gives more freedom and control, but it also means that businesses have to handle updates, scalability, and maintenance on their servers or on the cloud infrastructure they own. Organizations that have strict security requirements, need to comply with regulations, or have certain customization needs that are best served by self-hosting, choose this deployment option.

Features of Jira Server

1. On-premises Deployment: Full control over customization and data storage, installed and maintained on the company’s own servers or data centers.
2. Integration Ecosystem: Provides a range of add-ons and integrations to improve functionality and customization, comparable to Jira Cloud.
3. Security and Compliance: Administrators are in charge of putting security best practices into action and making sure that compliance is maintained. Security measures are contingent upon the IT policies and configurations of the organization.

Difference between Jira and Jira Server

Parameters	Jira	Jira Server
Deployment	Hosted online and accessible using a web browser on Atlassian’s servers. Managed by Atlassian.	Installed on the servers or data centers owned by the company. Through a VPN or their local network, users can access it.
Scalability	According to the user’s subscription plan, it scales automatically. Performance is guaranteed and server resources are managed by Atlassian.	Scalability is dependent on the resources and server infrastructure of the company. The server must be managed and scaled according to demand by the administrators.
Customization	Fewer options for customization than in Jira Server.	With the help of integrations, plugins, and add-ons, Jira Server can be greatly customized.
Control	Users depend on Atlassian for feature releases and updates.	Users can alter the source code and have complete control over customization.
Updates	Security fixes, maintenance, and upgrades are automatically handled by Atlassian.	Manually installing updates, fixes, and upgrades is the responsibility of administrators.
Accessibility	Accessible with an internet connection from any location.	Accessible only through the VPN or company network.
Cost	Uses a subscription-based pricing structure, with price levels determined by the quantity of users and features.	Requires a one-time license payment that is determined by the user count. IT support, maintenance, and server hardware could all incur additional costs.
Availability	Users can easily work together even when they are in different places.	Maintenance windows or server outages may impact availability.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jira Server offers on-premises deployment with more control, customization options, and scalability potential than Jira, but Jira offers a cloud-based solution with ease and automated updates. The optimal alternative for an organization’s project management needs will be determined by carefully evaluating its needs, preferences, and resources.

Difference between Jira and Jira Server FAQs

What distinguishes Jira Server from Jira in specific?

Ans: Jira Server is an on-premises solution that businesses install and administer on their own servers or data centers, whereas Jira is a cloud-based solution hosted and managed by Atlassian.

Can I switch from Jira Server to Jira or the other way around?

Ans: Data migration from Jira Server to Jira, or vice versa, is possible. Although Atlassian offers documentation and tools to help with the migration process, careful planning and analysis of any potential variations in features and configurations between the two platforms may be necessary.

Are there any features or functionalities that Jira and Jira Server have in common?

Ans: For project management and problem tracking, Jira and Jira Server often provide the same essential tools and functionalities. Because of the variations in deployment methodologies and update cycles between the two platforms, there can be variations in some features, add-ons, or integrations that are available.

What aspects of Jira versus Jira Server should I take into account?

Ans: Deployment preferences, customization demands, scalability requirements, budgetary constraints, maintenance obligations, accessibility, and security and compliance requirements are some of the factors to take into account.