Upgrade from Software 8.4.1 and Service Desk 4.4.1 to latest versions?

[Ulf Johansson]

I'm newly appointed as application owner of our Jira.
We are running Jira Service Desk 4.4.1 and Software 8.4.1 and are in process of planning upgrade. We consume add on's such as Insight, Automation Lite, Email this issue, EasyBI, ScriptRunner 

What's your recommendations and experiences?
Is it possible to jump direct to latest versions?
Smaller jumps of version?
Pros and cons?

[Vishwas · Accepted solution]

Hey @Ulf Johansson 

The Jira Applications are on 8.x version, so one can upgrade to latest version of Jira application which is currently 8.21 or LTS version 8.20.

I would suggest you to a look at the upgrade matrix here https://confluence.atlassian.com/adminjiraserver/upgrade-matrix-966063322.html

Also take a look at the supported platforms for the version you are planning to upgrade here https://confluence.atlassian.com/adminjiraserver/supported-platforms-938846830.html

Make sure that the application DB servers are in supported platform list so that it's compatible when upgraded.

Recommendation is to try on dev server before doing it on production application.

I'm not sure how to mention pros and cons, well it is feasible to upgrade to latest version since you are on 8.x version.

Let me know in case if there are any questions

Regards,

Vishwas

[Ulf Johansson]

Can you recommend to use "Plan your upgrade"?

[Vishwas]

Yes yes that's the option, it will mention all the details needs to be performed

[Ulf Johansson]

We also use Service Desk and also plan to upgrade that service of course.

Any recommendations from your view?

[Vishwas]

@Ulf Johansson 

Is service desk app is along with jira software on same server ?

[Ulf Johansson]

Yes, both running on the same server.
Regarding instruction I run upgrade for software first and then trigger the upgrade of Service desk inside Jira.
Do you have any experiences you can share? Any pitfalls to avoid?

[Vishwas]

If they are on the same engine, Jira service management will be installed as an add-on.

After upgrading Jira software, to upgrade service desk in UI we have to go to "Applications" --> "Version and licenses" --> Update Jira Service Management.

This wouldn't be a lengthy process once main engine that is Jira Software is upgraded.

I have done this type of upgrades in the past without any hindrance.

[Ulf Johansson]

We have now upgraded to latest SW 8.22 in a test env :-)

We still run on server, but are planning to migrate to Data center later on this year.
Now we have an issue with Insight, it's not enabled.
Due to info we now have to renew license for Insight with a cost of around 11000 USD.

This add on was earlier free and it's included as a part in Data Center solution.
This is a very high amount for us when we plan to migrate to Data Center later on this year and then get it for free.

Can you help out or give any advise??

[Vishwas]

Hey @Ulf Johansson 

We faced similar issue, where we had to implement Asset Management with JSM and we were on server platform and had to use another plugin from snapbytes vendor. This worked out for now but insight is way better and has lot more features.

Currently yes in server insight module is not enabled and you may have to go with renewal for now. 

If you are already using insight from past then there isn't any choice :(