Atlassian Cloud vs.
Data Center
Functional differences and the advantages and disadvantages of both deployments.
Scaling & Performance
Scalability
As teams and processes grow, the demands on the system increase. A fast exchange must be guaranteed.
Data Center
Connecting additional hardware allows for horizontal scaling
Your systems can be seamlessly and instantly extended, with no downtime
No user limit
Cloud
Atlassian Cloud will grow with your needs. High-performance operation is always guaranteed
The cloud infrastructure scales with your business
User numbers are limited
System Availability
All teams need uninterrupted and problem-free access to their applications, even during updates.
Data Center
Guaranteed constant and malfunction-free access to Jira applications
System availability during updates is high thanks to load distribution over multiple servers
Cloud
Various levels of expansion in the cloud guarantees system availability up to 99.9%
Updates are installed automatically so there's no system downtime
Reliability & Stability
Disaster Recovery
Complete system failures won't lead to a loss in productivity in the application or result in high costs for your company.
Data Center
In case of a server failure, system access is guaranteed due to the employment of geographically split data centers.
Integrating a disaster recovery option to quickly restore system availability in the event of a disaster is easy.
Cloud
Atlassian has secure recovery procedures in place that are tested regularly.
A backup is created every 24 hours. Atlassian keeps these backups for 7 days. They are stored in a location separate from the data center.
Compliance & Security
As organizations grow, systems must meet complex security and compliance requirements.
Data Center
Secure authentication protocols and advanced auditing
Additional security through personal authentication with the integration of SAML 2.0
Full admin and database access
Cloud
With Atlassian Access, SAML Single Sign-On and Active Directory can be connected.
Atlassian cloud products are certified to many standards, such as ISO 27001/27018, SOC2, PCI DSS v3.2. Cloud is also DSGVO compliant (through the agreement of the AVV).
Restricted admin access, no direct access to the database structure possible
Infrastructure
A high degree of flexibility and control should be given when selecting the infrastructure.
Maintenance and Operation
System operating, maintenance and service costs should be considered.
Data Center
The operating costs increase as more infrastructure components are required.
The administration and operation of the system architecture is more complex.
Operation outsourcing is possible.
Cloud
Less effort on your end is needed as Atlassian handles the operational side.
Cloud deployment is simple and straightforward.
New functions are available immediately. Personnel aren't needed for the updates.
Strategy & Benefits
Products
Different products for the different deployment options should be available to you.
Data Center
Jira (Jira Software, Jira Core, Jira Service Desk, Portfolio für Jira)
Confluence Server
Bitbucket Server
Bamboo
Fisheye
Crucible
Crowd
Cloud
Jira (Jira Software, Jira Core, Jira Service Desk, Portfolio für Jira)
Confluence Cloud
Bitbucket Cloud
Trello
OpsGenie
Atlassian Access
Extension capabilities
Your systems should be customizable through extensions available through the Atlassian Marketplace.
Data Center
Currently not all developers offer their apps for Data Center.
Many manufacturers are already working on a data center version of their apps (there are currently over 3,000 apps).
Robust server APIs allow you to develop applications, customizations and integrations for Atlassian's server products.
Cloud
Currently not all developers offer their apps for cloud.
Many manufacturers are already working on a cloud version of their apps. Atlassian is also investing heavily to make more apps available for the cloud (there are currently around 1,000 Marketplace apps).
The Atlassian Connect Framework allows you to develop applications, customizations and integrations for Atlassian's cloud products.
Mobile Apps
Information should also be accessible via a mobile app when you are on the road, so that you are always up to date.
Data Center
Mobile apps are available for Confluence server versions 6.8+ and Jira server versions 8.3+.
Applications usually have to be accessed via a VPN.
Cloud
Free mobile apps are available for Confluence and Jira.
A VPN isn't necessary.
Licence Costs
The costs for the acquisition and extension of licenses should be appropriate and projectable.
Data Center
Individually customized scaling options through appropriate user scales.
Data Center is available via subscription (stable user fees).
Commitment to a fixed user tier
Cloud
Yearly subscription (stable user fees)
Alternatively: monthly subscription via direct purchase
Flexible licensing of individual users without being bound to a fixed user tier.
Atlassian Data Center or Atlassian Cloud -
Which solution is the right one for you?
When trying to decide between data center or cloud as your solution, you will need to consider a few things - from the number of users, the required system performance and availability, to the time and effort needed for its administration.
As an Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner with experience from thousands of Atlassian projects, we will be happy to help you objectively assess your needs and advise you on the evaluation of an optimal licensing model for you.
Learn More