Jira Software and Jira Work Management have merged

At Team ‘24, Atlassian announced the merger of Jira Software and Jira Work Management into a single, unified platform—Jira. It’s a big moment in the evolution of project management tools designed to improve collaboration and streamline workflows across various teams.

The merger heralds a new era for collaborative project management. By combining the strengths of both platforms, Atlassian is setting the stage for greater synergy between business teams and software developers.

It’s a strategic move designed not only to streamline workflows but also to foster a culture of integrated teamwork where both business and technical teams can work under a unified system to drive projects toward successful outcomes.

When will the new Jira be implemented?

May 1, 2024: Official announcement and immediate availability for new customers.

May - June 2024: Phase-out of standalone Jira Work Management sales, with ongoing support for existing customers.

Q1 2025: Start of auto-migration for existing Jira Work Management customers to the unified platform.

Let’s take a look at how this will affect business and software development teams.

Revolutionizing software development and business collaboration

The integration of Jira Software with Jira Work Management brings together the Agile handling of software development tasks with the structured nature of business projects.

Without silos, you can benefit from having a seamless flow of information for the timely delivery of projects.

Benefits for software development teams

The merger brings a host of advantages tailored to boost the productivity and collaboration of software development teams. Streamlined project management, greater transparency, and an integrated approach to both technical and non-technical project elements are expected.

Here’s a closer look at what software developers stand to gain from the unified Jira platform:

1. Enhanced planning tools: With access to Jira Work Management’s planning features, developers can now enjoy improved timeline visualizations and resource allocation tools, making it easier to align software releases with business milestones.
2. Increased visibility: Integration with business project timelines and metrics allows developers to understand the broader impact of their work, fostering a sense of purpose and alignment with the organization’s goals.
3. Collaborative features: Features such as shared calendars and meeting integrations will enhance cross-department communication—crucial for Agile and DevOps teams that rely on quick iterations and feedback loops.

Advantages for business teams

This unified approach not only introduces Agile methodologies to business operations but also empowers teams with sophisticated tools for deeper insights and better alignment on projects. Here’s what business teams can expect from the new features in the combined Jira platform:

1. Agile methodologies: Business teams can adopt Agile frameworks like Scrum and Kanban, previously the domain of software teams, to manage tasks dynamically and respond to changes swiftly.
2. Advanced reporting: Access to detailed analytics and reporting tools from Jira Software allows business teams to track project progress more accurately and make data-driven decisions.
3. Integrated toolsets: The ability to utilize development tools and integrations allows business teams to oversee and understand technical aspects of projects so that all team members are on the same page.

Enhanced collaboration use cases

With the combined capabilities of Jira Software and Jira Work Management, your teams can synchronize efforts more effectively to meet business and development needs consistently. Below are practical scenarios showcasing how the new Jira fosters better collaboration to drive successful outcomes in complex projects:

Scenario 1

Product launch coordination: A marketing team planning a product launch can use the same tool as the software team, accessing development progress in real-time and adjusting the strategy as needed.

Scenario 2 

Cross-functional projects: A cross-functional project involving software developers, quality assurance teams, and customer service departments can benefit from being informed and coordinated, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing project flow with features like task dependencies and progress tracking.

Feature list of the new unified Jira

The merging of the two products has unleashed powerful features designed to enhance the way teams collaborate, plan, and execute projects across all business sectors.

For Atlassian, it's about creating a robust, integrated tool that adapts to the diverse needs of both technical and non-technical teams.

Below is a detailed look at the innovative features that define the new Jira, each crafted to streamline processes, improve visibility, and foster a truly collaborative environment.

• Unified dashboards: Centralized views that combine elements from Jira Software and Jira Work Management offer comprehensive insights into project status, team performance, and deadlines.
• Cross-functional boards: Scrum and Kanban boards that can be customized to accommodate both technical and non-technical tasks enhance visibility across workflows.
• Advanced roadmaps: Integrated planning tools that provide long-term visibility into project timelines, help teams anticipate future needs, and adjust resources accordingly.
• Automated workflows: Streamlined processes that automate routine tasks across different teams, reduce manual overhead, and increase efficiency.
• Flexible reporting tools: Dynamic reporting capabilities allow teams to generate real-time, actionable insights tailored to specific project needs or team dynamics.
• Customizable permissions: Granular access controls ensure team members have the appropriate level of access to project information, safeguarding data integrity and compliance.
• Mobile accessibility: A fully-featured mobile application provides access to all Jira functions on the go so team members can stay connected and productive regardless of where they’re based.

Impact on licenses and pricing

Unified licensing simplifies access and reduces administrative overhead. Existing Jira Software customers will maintain their current pricing structure, while Jira Work Management customers will be transitioned with incentives like a 10% discount for the first year for a smooth changeover.

Impact on Data Center and Cloud implementations

The Cloud-based merger focuses on improving collaborative potential and streamlining project management practices. However, Jira Software Data Center remains an independent entity for organizations needing on-premise solutions so that all business needs are met without disrupting existing setups.

Looking forward with Jira

The unification of Jira Software and Jira Work Management is a significant step forward in project management, particularly in how business and software development teams collaborate.

By breaking down barriers and integrating toolsets, Atlassian is not only enhancing the functionalities of Jira but also empowering teams to be more efficient and successful in their projects.