Server Architecture
With the server option, your application runs on a single server. The server will eventually reach its performance limit with more users. The application will slow down, decreasing the productivity of your teams. Should the server or database completely fail, your teams will no longer have access.
Data Center Architecture
With the data center option, your applications run simultaneously on several servers. Requests are simply distributed with the help of a load balancer should the number of users increases. Thanks to the data center architecture, the systems remain available in the case of failures because there are other servers available to process the requests.
Server or Data Center: an in-depth comparison
Scaling & Performance
Performance
Large instances must be able to withstand performance problems that often occur under heavy peak loads
Server
guarantees performance for small instances
minimal ability to withstand increased user load during peak usage times of large instances
Data Center
distributes user requests equally among several servers
ensures consistent performance with increasing user load
Scalability
Increasing demands for fast exchange and easy collaboration must be ensured as teams and processes grow.
Server
vertical scaling possible by increasing the technical resources
Scalability limited by physical hardware
Data Center
horizontal scaling possible by connecting additional hardware
seamless extension of the systems immediately and without downtime
Availability
Teams need uninterrupted and trouble-free access to their applications - updates should not affect their work.
Server
User access to relevant systems not possible during scheduled downtimes (e.g. updates)
Data Center
constant and trouble-free access to Jira applications
High availability of the systems for updates through load distribution
Reliability & Stability
Disaster Recovery
Complete system failures should not lead to productivity losses of your teams and high costs for your company.
Server
Low assurance of system availability in the event of a disaster
greater effort to restore the systems, combined with long downtimes
Data Center
Access to the systems in the event of a server failure by operating a locally separated computer centre, guaranteed
Easy integration of a disaster recovery option to quickly restore system availability in the event of a disaster
Compliance & Security
As organizations grow, security and compliance requirements become increasingly complex.
Server
secure authentication protocols and advanced auditing
Data Center
secure authentication protocols and advanced auditing
additional security through personal authentication with the integration of SAML 2.0
Infrastructure
A high degree of flexibility and control is important when choosing the infrastructure.
Server
Flexibility and full control in the choice of infrastructure
Data Center
Flexible deployment options - whether on-premise or in the cloud (AWS and Azure)
Expenses & Operations
The expenditure for the operation, maintenance and servicing of the systems must be in line with requirements.
Server
Low cost for few operational components that need to be managed
Administration and operation of a single server
Outsourcing of the server operation possible
Data Center
Operating costs increase as more infrastructure components have to be provided
more complex administration and operation of the system architecture
Outsourcing of the operation possible
Strategy & Benefits
Functionality
The future-proof and functional development of the systems is a strategic basis for decision-making.
Server
less innovation and functional development of server products on the part of Atlassian
Data Center
continuous further development of the functionality of data center products on the part of Atlassian
additional administrative features for enterprise companies (exclusive features for Confluence, Jira, Bitbucket or Crowd)
long-term enterprise solution for the operation of Atlassian products
Available Marketplace Apps
Systems should be adapted to individual needs through extensions that are available through the Atlassian Marketplace.
Server
all Atlassian Marketplace apps available for servers
Data Center
So far not all manufacturers offer their apps for data centers.
Many manufacturers are already working on a data center version of their apps (currently over 800 Marketplace apps)
License costs
You should plan the costs for the purchase and extension of licenses according to your needs.
Server
one-off costs for the purchase of a licence
running costs for support extension and maintenance
Data Center
individually plannable scaling options through appropriate user scales
Data Center is sold by subscription (same usage fee year after year)
From Atlassian Server to Atlassian Data Center - does a change make sense for you?
Number of users, performance, downtime and administration are values that you as a company should consider when considering Data Center as a solution for your Atlassian products.
Here you will find a detailed list of decision criteria for switching to Atlassian Data Center.
All deployment variants at a glance
Do you have any questions? We would be happy to help you objectively assess your need for a data center version instead of the classic server version: As an Atlassian Platinum Solution Partner with experience from thousands of Atlassian projects, we can advise you on evaluating the best licensing model for your needs, take care of all your license setup issues and support you in all aspects of scaling your Atlassian products.
More on
Atlassian Data Center
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