Atlassian has announced to end Server licenses and focus on Data Center and Cloud solutions for its products. During the Atlassian Team 2023 event, they once again emphasized its Cloud-oriented ambitions and its focus on Cloud-robust solutions.
The trend to move to the Cloud affects companies that are (still) using the Atlassian suite with Server versions. As of February 2024, all support for Server versions of Atlassian products will end. Meaning that Atlassian, as well as Marketplace vendors, will no longer offer support with technical issues. Furthermore, after the end-of-support date, Atlassian will no longer release security updates or bug fixes.
Bitbucket is a (Git-based) source code repository service and an Atlassian product. Businesses working with Bitbucket as their code or CI/CD solution will need to start assessing whether to migrate to the Data Center or Cloud version.
For efficiency and monetary reasons, small- to medium-sized businesses in general choose Bitbucket Cloud. What should you think of when moving Bitbucket to the Cloud? Below, we discuss three topics that are important during this transition.
Be aware of the functional differences between Bitbucket Server and Cloud
During previous Bitbucket migrations, we have noticed that users consider the interface of Bitbucket Cloud user-friendly and very similar to the Server version. After migrating, users easily adapt to the Cloud solution. However, we have seen some differences in functionality and in the marketplace listing. Some examples; in Cloud, there is no built-in solution or plugin for automatic merge of branches. Also, the level on which you can set branch permissions differs between Bitbucket and Cloud. Our first recommendation is to perform a thorough analysis of the current way of working and its translation to the Cloud strategy. It is worth mentioning that Atlassian is frequently releasing important Cloud features. Check out their latest features in Cloud and learn about what they are working on in their Cloud Roadmap.
Understand the power of Bitbucket Pipelines
Did you know that with Bitbucket Premium, you also have access to Bitbucket’s CI/CD solution? By choosing this tier, you are eligible for 3.500 free build minutes in Bitbucket Pipelines. Bitbucket Pipelines is an integrated CI/CD service in Bitbucket Cloud that is primarily used to build, test, and deploy code. Bitbucket Pipes may also be used to build solutions for functional gaps or differences between Server and Cloud. For example, as mentioned earlier, for Bitbucket Cloud there is no plugin or built-in solution for automatic branch merges. This is where pipelines can offer a solution. We recommend taking a close look at Bitbucket Pipelines before migrating to understand its power and use. This may also affect the assessment of Bitbucket Cloud’s tiers.
Don’t wait much longer!
On the 2nd of February 2021, Atlassian ended sales for new Server licenses. In 2022 and 2023, no new features were built or released, sales of Server apps have ended, and user tiers can no longer be upgraded or downgraded. On the 15th of February 2024, Atlassian and marketplace vendors will no longer offer support with technical issues or incidents. From our experience, we know that one of the success factors in migrations is time. Mid-sized Bitbucket sites may take months to migrate. To help protect your business from vulnerabilities and with only 9 more months to go, we recommend starting with pre-migration assessments soon.
In conclusion
Bitbucket Cloud offers a great alternative to Server, eliminating manual upgrades and reducing maintenance overhead. You may also compare other benefits and costs between Cloud and Server here. At Devoteam, our team possesses expertise in conducting Bitbucket migrations. As a result, we are aware of the challenges that organizations may encounter prior to and during these transitions. Furthermore, we have hands-on experience in effectively addressing and overcoming these challenges. We will be glad to share our experience and best practices with you.