The End of Atlassian Datacenter: A New Era Begins
In 2024, Atlassian made an important decision: it stopped developing Datacenter products and directed all customers to migrate to the Cloud or Data Center (new name) platform. This decision created a major challenge, especially for defense industry, financial institutions, healthcare sector, and other companies with high security requirements.
Why can't they migrate to Cloud? The answer lies in data sovereignty, compliance requirements, security policies, and legal regulations. Especially defense industry companies in Turkey cannot allow critical information to be stored on foreign servers. Similarly, compliance standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2 direct some companies to on-premise solutions.
Jira Alternatives: On-Premise Solutions for Project Management
1. Redmine: Open Source and Powerful Features
Redmine is a fully open-source project management tool developed with Ruby on Rails. It offers Jira's core features and is completely free.
Strengths:
- Completely open source and free
- Strong issue tracking and project management features
- Rich plugin ecosystem
- Integrated features such as Gantt chart, wiki, forum, time tracking
- REST API and webhook support
- Multi-project support
Weaknesses:
- User interface is not as modern as Jira
- Technical knowledge required for installation and maintenance
- Performance issues may occur in large-scale installations
- Enterprise features are limited
2. GitLab: The Combination of DevOps and Project Management
GitLab is not just a code repository, but also a comprehensive project management platform. With the on-premise version (GitLab Self-Managed), you can have full control.
Strengths:
- Integrated CI/CD pipelines
- Issue tracking, kanban board, milestone management
- Wiki and documentation features
- Strong security features (vulnerability scanning, container scanning)
- Enterprise features (LDAP/AD integration, audit logs)
- Comprehensive API support
Weaknesses:
- High resource consumption (especially in large installations)
- Complex installation and maintenance
- Not as mature an ecosystem as Jira
- Cost (license required for Enterprise features)
3. Taiga: Modern and User-Friendly
Taiga is a modern project management tool focused on Agile and Scrum methodologies. An open-source version is available and on-premise installation can be done.
Strengths:
- Modern and intuitive user interface
- Agile/Scrum-focused design
- Kanban board and sprint management
- Real-time collaboration features
- REST API and webhook support
- Free open-source version
Weaknesses:
- Not as comprehensive a feature set as Jira
- Enterprise features are limited
- Small plugin ecosystem
- Scalability issues may occur for large teams
4. Tuleap: Enterprise-Focused Open Source Solution
Tuleap is an open-source ALM (Application Lifecycle Management) platform designed especially for large organizations, offering enterprise features.
Strengths:
- Enterprise features (LDAP/AD, SSO, audit logs)
- Comprehensive project management tools
- Test management and quality assurance features
- Strong security and compliance features
- On-premise installation support
- Professional support options
Weaknesses:
- Complex installation and configuration
- Not as widespread as Jira
- Limited community support
- License required for Enterprise features
Confluence Alternatives: Wiki and Documentation Solutions
Confluence is a widely used platform for team documentation and knowledge management. However, strong alternatives exist for companies that cannot migrate to Cloud. Here are the most popular and reliable options:
1. XWiki: Powerful and Flexible Wiki Platform
XWiki is a Java-based, open-source wiki platform. It offers many of Confluence's features and can be installed completely on-premise. It is especially ideal for large organizations.
Strengths:
- Strong content management: Pages, blogs, comments, tags, categories
- WYSIWYG editor: Rich text editor similar to Confluence
- Macro system: Extensible macro ecosystem
- Security: Page-based permission control, LDAP/AD integration, SSO support
- Version control: History of all changes
- Application development: Ability to create XWiki applications
- API support: REST API and scripting support
- Multi-language support: 30+ language support
Weaknesses:
- Technical knowledge required for installation and configuration
- User interface is not as modern as Confluence
- Performance optimization may be needed in large installations
- Community support is not as large as Jira/Confluence
Use Cases:
XWiki is especially ideal in the following situations:
- Central knowledge management for large organizations
- Technical documentation and wiki needs
- Environments with high security requirements
- Need for customized application development
2. BlueSpice: MediaWiki-Based Enterprise Solution
BlueSpice is a version of MediaWiki developed for enterprise use. It combines the power of MediaWiki with enterprise features.
Strengths:
- MediaWiki infrastructure: The powerful infrastructure used by Wikipedia
- WYSIWYG editor: User-friendly rich text editor
- Security and permission management: Page and namespace-based permission control
- LDAP/AD integration: Enterprise authentication
- Workflow management: Approval processes and workflows
- Version control: Detailed change history
- Customizable: Extensible structure
Weaknesses:
- Learning curve for MediaWiki syntax
- Technical expertise required for installation and maintenance
- Not as intuitive as Confluence
- License required for Enterprise features
Use Cases:
BlueSpice is especially suitable in the following situations:
- Large-scale wiki needs
- Wikipedia-like content management
- Enterprise knowledge center
- High security requirements
3. Wiki.js: Modern and Fast Wiki Solution
Wiki.js is a Node.js-based, modern wiki platform. It offers a fast, secure, and user-friendly interface. It is completely open source and can be installed on-premise.
Strengths:
- Modern interface: React-based, fast and responsive design
- Markdown and WYSIWYG: Two different editor options
- Git integration: Store content in Git repository
- Security: LDAP/AD, OAuth, SAML support
- Fast performance: Node.js-based, optimized
- Customizable theme: Design suitable for your brand identity
- API support: GraphQL and REST API
- Multi-language: 50+ language support
Weaknesses:
- Not as mature an ecosystem as Confluence
- Some enterprise features missing for large organizations
- Limited plugin ecosystem
- Community support is growing but not yet as large as MediaWiki/XWiki
Use Cases:
Wiki.js is especially ideal in the following situations:
- Modern and fast wiki needs
- Small and medium-sized teams
- Technical documentation
- Those who prefer Git-based content management
4. MediaWiki: The Power of Wikipedia
MediaWiki is the open-source wiki software used by Wikipedia. It is the infrastructure of the world's largest wiki platform and is completely free.
Strengths:
- Proven scalability: Can manage millions of pages
- Strong search: Elasticsearch integration
- Extensible: Thousands of extensions available
- Version control: Detailed change history
- Multi-language: 300+ language support
- Free: Completely open source
- Community support: Large and active community
Weaknesses:
- Learning curve for wiki syntax
- WYSIWYG editor not available by default (can be added with extension)
- Extensions required for enterprise features
- Complex installation and configuration
- Not as user-friendly as Confluence
Use Cases:
MediaWiki is especially suitable in the following situations:
- Very large-scale wiki needs
- Wikipedia-like content management
- Community-based knowledge sharing
- Technical documentation
5. Other Important Alternatives
BookStack
BookStack is a PHP-based, modern documentation platform. It offers content management organized with book, chapter, and page structure. It is especially ideal for technical documentation.
DokuWiki
DokuWiki is a PHP-based, lightweight wiki platform. It does not require a database (file-based), which makes installation easier. It is suitable for small and medium-sized teams.
Tiki Wiki CMS Groupware
Tiki is not just a wiki, but also a comprehensive platform that includes CMS, forum, blog, and more. All features come in a single package.
Comparison Table: Confluence Alternatives
| Feature | XWiki | BlueSpice | Wiki.js | MediaWiki |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| License | LGPL (Open Source) | GPL (Open Source) | AGPL (Open Source) | GPL (Open Source) |
| WYSIWYG Editor | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Via Extension |
| LDAP/AD Integration | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Via Extension |
| SSO Support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Via Extension |
| Version Control | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| API Support | REST, Scripting | REST | GraphQL, REST | REST, Action API |
| Installation Difficulty | Medium | Medium-High | Easy | Medium |
| Performance | Good | Very Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Community Support | Good | Medium | Growing | Excellent |
Migration Strategies: From Atlassian to Alternatives
1. Data Migration Planning
When migrating from Atlassian to an alternative platform, the secure transfer of your data is of critical importance. Here are the points to consider:
- Content inventory: List all pages, page links, and plugins
- User and permission structure: Document all users, groups, and permissions
- Data format conversion: Conversion plan from Confluence format to target platform format
- Test environment: First migrate in test environment and verify
- Backup: Take full backup before migration
2. User Training and Adaptation
Migration to a new platform requires user adaptation. Prepare training programs and documentation:
- User guides for the new platform
- Training sessions and workshops
- Support team during migration period
- FAQ and troubleshooting documentation
3. Parallel Operation Period
During the migration process, it is recommended that the old and new systems run in parallel for a while. This provides time for users to adapt to the new system and for data validation.
Recommendations: Which Alternative Should You Choose?
Defense Industry and High Security Requirements
Recommended: XWiki or BlueSpice
For these sectors, strong security features, LDAP/AD integration, and detailed permission management are critical. XWiki and BlueSpice meet these requirements and offer enterprise features.
Medium-Sized Teams and Modern Interface Needs
Recommended: Wiki.js
Wiki.js is an ideal choice for teams seeking a modern, fast, and user-friendly wiki. Git integration and Markdown support provide additional advantages for technical teams.
Large-Scale Wiki and Community Management
Recommended: MediaWiki
MediaWiki is a proven solution for organizations that want to manage millions of pages and build a Wikipedia-like structure.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Alternative
The end of Atlassian Datacenter has started a challenging period for many companies. However, strong alternatives exist, and with the right choice, you can even find a better solution. What's important is to clearly define your needs and ensure that the alternative you choose meets these needs.
XWiki is an excellent choice for enterprise features and security requirements. Wiki.js is ideal for those seeking modern interface and speed. BlueSpice combines the power of MediaWiki with enterprise features. MediaWiki is a proven solution for the largest-scale needs.
During the migration process, getting professional consulting support speeds up the process and minimizes risks. As Virtual Riddle, we are with you with our experienced team in migrating from Atlassian to alternative platforms.
💡 Do you have questions about this article? Would you like to get consulting services on Atlassian alternatives and migration strategies? Contact us and request a free discovery meeting.