The Company
The company is a UK-based legal technology leader that revolutionizes law firm operations with cloud-based solutions that streamline workflows, enable electronic hearings, optimize document management, and enhance collaboration.
In line with their commitment to driving digital transformation within the legal field, the client continually invests in cutting-edge technology that allows them to stay ahead of industry trends and maintain a competitive edge. The company needed to migrate from an on-premises Jira + Xray Server to Jira Cloud. While supported by the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant, the process demanded extensive manual input and backend expertise. The migration of lower versions introduced unique challenges, making this case study particularly insightful.
The Challenge
The main challenge involved managing multiple Jira and Xray migrations across different versions within a tight deadline. This complex task required a Jira/Xray admin to conduct a thorough analysis of existing configurations, schemas, customizations, and dependencies while addressing potential issues.
Standard tools like the Jira Cloud Migration Assistant (JCMA), which supports Jira 7.6 and newer, were insufficient for handling the specific requirements of migrating Xray data. Therefore, manual configurations were crucial to ensure the accurate transfer of test cases, test executions, test plans, and other critical data.
To meet the migration goals, the team focused on three key objectives:
- Ensure data integrity: All Xray-related data needed to be migrated accurately without any loss or corruption;
- Preserve functionality: Custom fields, workflows, permissions, and other settings had to be maintained to avoid disruptions in operations;
- Minimize manual intervention: The process needed optimization to reduce the need for manual oversight and adjustments.
To address these challenges, the company partnered with IWConnect, an Emerging Partner for Xray based in North Macedonia and the winner of the “Best Services” category at the 2023 Xray Partner Awards. IWConnect tailored the JCMA app’s source code to meet the migration's specific demands, optimizing the process while minimizing risks and errors.
Through custom error-handling mechanisms, conflict resolution strategies, and thorough data validation checks, IWConnect ensured a smooth migration experience. Their expert support provided the company with greater control and confidence, mitigating vulnerabilities and ensuring a seamless transition across Jira and Xray platforms.
The Solution
IWConnect took a strategic and multi-stage approach to ensure a seamless migration of the client’s Jira and Xray environments to the cloud. The solution was designed to address complex data structures and maintain data integrity, while minimizing impact on the client’s ongoing operations.
The migration strategy was structured into 3 phases:
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Assessment and planning
Before initiating the migration, IWConnect performed a comprehensive assessment of the client’s existing Jira Server environment. This included a detailed analysis of the data hierarchy, active user configurations, and interdependencies between Jira and Xray projects. The insights gathered from this assessment were used to create a tailored migration plan that outlined all pre-migration activities, including data cleanup and Active Directory alignment, to reduce complications during the transfer process. -
Custom script development
To handle specific migration requirements not covered by the standard Jira Cloud Migration Assistant (JCMA), they created custom Python scripts. These scripts ensured accurate transfer of complex project data, custom fields, and attachments.
Additionally, Xray’s open-source migration scripts were leveraged to transfer all test-related data, such as test cases and test executions, while maintaining the integrity of the testing history. The custom scripts were designed to address unique dependencies, ensuring that no data was lost or misconfigured during the process. -
Incremental migration execution
The migration was executed in multiple stages to minimize system downtime and ensure that all teams could continue their work without interruption. This phased approach enabled a controlled transfer of projects, allowing for continuous validation of the migrated data before moving on to the next batch. IWConnect also implemented rollback plans for each stage, providing a safety net to revert to the original state if any issues were encountered.
Throughout the entire process, regular communication and stakeholder alignment were maintained, ensuring that the client was well-informed and any potential issues were addressed proactively.
The Results
The migration process was executed effectively, delivering significant results:
- Successfully migrated 3 major active projects and more than 5000 artifacts across those projects without disrupting the team's workflow.
- Completed the migration process in less than 24 hours during non-working hours, starting on a Friday: this allowed for thorough testing over the weekend and resolution of all challenges before the client's team returned on Monday morning.
Provided suggestions for improvements and best practices to optimize current processes that were identified during the analysis phase.
The cooperation with our Xray staff energized IWConnect’s workers and clients in implementing the app and increased the requirement for services and support. This approach allowed IWConnect to expand their business by connecting with diverse clients from different segments and countries, implementing various policies, and gathering valuable experience within their organization.
Using this approach, our partner reduced the time and effort spent on manual checks and maintenance of the migration process. This translated directly into substantial cost savings by minimizing the time needed for dedicated human resources to verify and validate the process.
As a result, the customer not only realized direct cost savings in terms of reduced labor hours but also maximized the effectiveness of the migration, allowing them to invest resources in areas that promised the highest returns on investment.
The power of customization and collaboration in Optimizing Jira/Xray Migrations
- Customization was key: Standard migration tools may not address all requirements, and customizing the tool can optimize the process and minimize failures.
- Expert insights: Having experts in administration configurations and settings provided valuable insights, guidance, and support to ensure a successful migration.
- Collaboration: Partnering with clients and being open to collaboration can energize teams and increase the requirement for services and support.
- Efficiency and cost savings: Reducing manual checks and maintenance translated directly into substantial cost savings and maximized the effectiveness of the migration process.
- Thorough analysis: Conducting a comprehensive analysis of existing systems and processes can reveal opportunities for improvement beyond the migration itself.
When migrating to Xray, a test management tool that allows seamless Jira integration, tailored solutions become even more critical. Customization, backed by expertise and collaboration, ensures a smooth transfer of complex Xray data - such as test cases, test executions, and plans - and preserves the full functionality of your testing processes.
About the Partner
IWConnect is an Xray Partner and an IT consulting company with a mission to create outstanding value for its customers and empower them to outsmart their competition. With expertise in MuleSoft, SnapLogic, TIBCO, AWS cloud, Microsoft technologies, as well as outstanding QA testing, Business Support, and DevOps services, IWConnect is your go-to partner for maximizing productivity and achieving sustainable growth.
