Backbone Work Sync vs. Exalate [2026]: Which Jira Integration Tool Fits Your Cross-Company Sync Needs?

Companies that use different work management systems need to find ways of integrating data smoothly without exposing their system infrastructure to security risks. That’s why integration solutions are gaining more popularity in the modern workplace.

But when it comes to choosing an integration solution for your company, you need to consider key factors like security, platform coverage, customization flexibility, and overall performance.

In this guide, we compare Exalate and Backbone Work Sync (formerly Backbone Issue Sync, by K15t) to help you determine which solution best fits your integration needs, whether you’re syncing within your organization or across company boundaries.

Quick Comparison: Backbone Work Sync vs. Exalate

Who Should Use Each Tool?

Choose Backbone Work Sync if you:

• Only need Jira-to-Jira synchronization
• Want a no-code, click-through configuration
• Operate entirely within the Atlassian ecosystem
• Have simple field mapping requirements
• Prefer user-based licensing through Atlassian Marketplace

Choose Exalate if you:

• Need to integrate Jira with non-Jira platforms (ServiceNow, Salesforce, Zendesk, Azure DevOps, GitHub, Freshdesk, Freshservice, Asana)
• Require cross-company integrations where each party maintains independent control
• Have complex sync requirements that need custom scripting
• Want AI-assisted configuration and troubleshooting
• Need a unified console to manage multiple integrations from one place
• Prefer predictable, outcome-based pricing

Overview: Two Different Approaches to Integration

What is Backbone Work Sync?

K15t’s Backbone Work Sync (renamed from Backbone Issue Sync in March 2025) is an integration solution that enables users to synchronize data between Jira instances. Backbone supports integration between Jira Cloud, Jira Server, and Jira Data Center. As an exclusive Jira sync tool, this solution hosts its core functionalities on the Atlassian infrastructure.

Backbone provides a no-code interface that blends seamlessly with Jira’s UI, making it accessible for teams that want to set up basic syncs without writing code.

What is Exalate?

Exalate is an integration solution that enables bidirectional synchronization between work management systems such as Jira, Salesforce, ServiceNow, Zendesk, Azure DevOps (Cloud and Server), GitHub, Freshdesk, Freshservice, and Asana.

Exalate features a Groovy-based scripting engine for advanced use cases, giving teams full control over what data is sent, received, and how it’s transformed on each side of the integration. This makes Exalate particularly well-suited for cross-company integrations where each organization needs to maintain independent control over its data.

The Key Difference

Both solutions started as synchronization tools for Jira around the same time. But since then, K15t’s Backbone has remained focused on Jira-to-Jira integration, while Exalate has expanded to support multiple platforms. This difference in scope reflects a fundamental difference in target use cases: Backbone excels at internal Jira syncs, while Exalate is designed for complex, cross-platform, and cross-company integrations.

Feature Comparison

Security

Backbone Work Sync uses standard encryption and firewalls to protect user data from unauthorized access. To integrate projects in Jira, Backbone uses the official Jira REST API. After you set up the sync, Backbone communicates with Jira via the encrypted channel provided by the Jira setup.

Backbone relies on Atlassian’s security features as well as PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) encryption for both file and email protocols. K15t is ISO 27001:2022 certified and participates in Atlassian’s Marketplace Bug Bounty program. Backbone is Cloud Fortified and supports data residency in the US, EU, and Germany (DE).

Exalate verifies users with the help of API tokens and OAuth. It uses state-of-the-art authentication and authorization frameworks. The platform is ISO 27001 certified and GDPR-compliant.

Exalate provides full script and operational control over your sync side. You control what data is sent outbound and how incoming data is processed. This is particularly important for cross-company integrations where each party needs to maintain security boundaries.

Exalate also has a dedicated security team that conducts regular evaluations and penetration testing. They are participants in the Bug Bounty program. You can check out Exalate’s Trust Center for more information about security.

For teams that need granular control over their integration security, Exalate provides more comprehensive options.

Data Residency and Privacy

Backbone Work Sync supports data residency in the US, EU, and Germany. As a cloud-fortified integration, Backbone abides by Atlassian’s data residency laws. Data is hosted within AWS regions (Oregon, USA, or Frankfurt, Germany).

Exalate relies on the Google Cloud data center in Belgium for cloud deployments and stores backups in the Rsync.net offline data center in Switzerland. Enterprise plans offer additional data residency options.

In terms of privacy, neither solution has the right to store or process your data beyond what’s needed for synchronization. According to Exalate’s End User License Agreement, the company will not disclose your information to any third party without express permission from you, the original owner.

Both integration solutions value privacy and data residency laws.

Platform Coverage

Backbone Work Sync is only compatible with Jira products:

• Jira Cloud
• Jira Data Center
• Jira Server
• Jira Service Management

Exalate supports:

• Jira software and Jira service management
• ServiceNow
• Salesforce
• Zendesk
• Azure DevOps (Cloud and Server)
• GitHub
• Freshdesk
• Freshservice
• Asana
• ServiceDesk Plus (ManageEngine)
• And additional connectors through early access programs (TOPdesk, Xurrent, HaloITSM, SolarWinds, ConnectWise, Ivanti)

Since Exalate integrates with more platforms, it is the ideal solution for companies working with different work management systems simultaneously. If you need to connect Jira with ServiceNow, Salesforce, or any other supported platform, Exalate is your only option between these two tools.

Customization and Flexibility

Backbone Work Sync has an intuitive no-code UI that blends seamlessly with Jira. You can customize your syncs to specific needs by tweaking the settings and selecting the work items or fields to map. Backbone relies solely on JQL (Jira Query Language) for filtering, which can be powerful for users familiar with the syntax but may limit options for non-technical users.

However, Backbone does not offer a scripting engine, which means you cannot implement custom transformation logic or handle complex mapping scenarios that fall outside its preset options.

Exalate provides a Groovy-based scripting engine that handles any custom workflow, no matter how complex. If you can write it in Groovy, Exalate can sync it. You can have different data transformation logic between two synced systems and control incoming and outgoing sync on each side separately.

Exalate also offers Aida, an AI-powered assistant that helps you:

• Generate Groovy code snippets and mappings for complex use cases
• Get context-aware suggestions based on your existing script rules and system
• Troubleshoot errors with explanations in easy-to-digest language
• Reduce the learning curve for Groovy scripting

The Test Run functionality lets you test your sync scripts without creating actual entities on the destination side, reducing the risk of errors affecting live data. Script versioning provides traceable change history and the ability to roll back mistakes for safer configuration management.

Management and Operational Control

Backbone Work Sync requires installation on each Jira instance you want to sync. You need a valid Backbone license for each instance you’re integrating with, whether the sync is unidirectional or bidirectional. However, there is a workaround: remote licensing lets you install Backbone on only one Jira instance and synchronize with other instances without requiring installation on the partner’s side.

Backbone lacks a centralized reporting dashboard within its app UI. Without central reporting, administrators cannot easily monitor or investigate sync issues across multiple integrations, projects, or instances.

Exalate features a unified console that lets you manage all your integrations from one place. Instead of visiting each node individually, you can access all your connections, view script rules, monitor active queues, and handle errors for both sides of your connection simultaneously from a single screen.

Network visualization shows how various nodes are interconnected in your network, giving you a quick understanding of integration architecture and making it easier to identify dependencies.

With Exalate, you don’t need to install anything on both systems. You start by registering your account at exalate.app, enter the source URL for verification, then the destination URL for verification, name your connection, and start configuring the sync rules. This simplified setup process reduces onboarding time significantly.

Sync Capabilities

Backbone Work Sync sends data via HTTP(S), files, and email. You can use this tool to sync sprints and versions. This integration tool also allows you to limit the sync using custom JQL. Other things you can sync include attachments, epic links, work item types, resolutions, and Confluence pages.

By default, Backbone syncs comments under the generic account “Backbone Issue Sync” without providing information about the original author. This can be adjusted to include the original author, date, and time in the comment’s footer, but it’s not enabled by default. Attachments also require manual configuration to sync.

However, Backbone cannot sync statuses between next-gen and original boards. Since you have limited control over what is being mapped beyond preset options, you cannot opt out of sending specific data selectively without using JQL workarounds.

Exalate allows you to configure incoming and outgoing syncs using Groovy expressions to specify exactly what should go over and what to receive from both sides. This works perfectly for cross-company syncs because both parties retain independent control over their respective instances.

You can also set triggers to automate the sync or use the Bulk Exalate option to sync multiple work items at once. Both Exalate and Backbone support bidirectional syncs, which means you can transfer data in both directions.

Pricing Comparison

Backbone Work Sync Pricing

Backbone Work Sync has two main licensing models:

1. Atlassian Marketplace licensing (installation on both ends)
2. Remote licensing (installation on one end, managed from one place)

The billing plan for Backbone centers on the maximum number of users per instance. For example, if you have 50 users in a single instance, you need to pay the price for 50 users.

Remote licenses are priced based on the number of endpoints and the user tier of your Jira instance.

Exalate Pricing

Exalate uses outcome-based pricing. You pay based on how many work items you’re actively syncing between your systems. You can choose a different plan for every new integration you create.

Here’s how it works in practice: if you’re syncing 50 work items between Jira and ServiceNow, you pay for only those 50. It doesn’t matter how many times they update, how many users work with them, or how many back-and-forth syncs happen. You have a 30-day free trial followed by a plan of your choice: Starter, Scale, Pro, or Enterprise.

Use the Pricing Calculator to estimate costs based on your specific needs. For full pricing details, visit the Exalate Pricing Page.

Customer Support

Backbone Work Sync support is provided through K15t’s help center. Support hours are not 24/7. You can submit a support request via their portal and await a response. K15t participates in Atlassian’s partner support program.

Exalate provides support to all customers with multiple tiers:

• Community Support: Access to documentation, video tutorials at Exalate Academy, and community forums
• Standard Support: Included with Scale plan and above, provides dedicated support channels
• Priority Support: Available for Pro and Enterprise plans, offers 2x faster response times, onboarding calls, solution assistance, and ongoing support

For teams that need hands-off integration management, Exalate offers Managed Services where Exalate experts handle the implementation and ongoing maintenance of your integrations.

Error Handling and Troubleshooting

Backbone Work Sync provides troubleshooting through its in-app UI. When something goes wrong with the sync, you receive an error message with links to documentation pages containing solutions to known issues. However, Backbone lacks a centralized dashboard for monitoring issues across multiple integrations.

Exalate provides comprehensive error handling through its Sync Queue mechanism. You can monitor outgoing and incoming synchronization messages in progress, filter by connection name or entity ID, and view processing status. This gives you better visibility into sync operations and easier troubleshooting during bulk operations.

Aida AI can diagnose errors, explain them in easy-to-digest language, and provide context-aware suggestions for resolution, cutting troubleshooting time significantly and reducing dependency on technical expertise.

Documentation and Community

Backbone Work Sync has a comprehensive documentation page that details everything you need to know about the product. From sample use cases to how-to guides, you can find answers to common problems on the Backbone documentation page.

Exalate has a detailed documentation page that addresses various potential issues.

If you want to learn more about Exalate, you can watch video tutorials at the Exalate Channel. The website and dedicated community also have a vast repository of case studies and use cases addressing various synchronization scenarios.

Final Scorecard

The Verdict

The gap between Exalate and Backbone has widened significantly over the years.

Backbone Work Sync remains a solid choice for teams that only need Jira-to-Jira synchronization within the Atlassian ecosystem. Its no-code interface and native Jira integration make it easy to set up basic syncs quickly.

Exalate is the more versatile product, making it the ideal solution for:

• Cross-company syncs where each party needs independent control
• Multi-platform integrations (Jira with ServiceNow, Salesforce, Azure DevOps, etc.)
• Complex sync requirements that need custom scripting
• Teams that want AI-assisted configuration and a unified management console

Even though Backbone equals Exalate in ease of initial setup for simple Jira syncs, it cannot match Exalate’s customization capabilities, platform coverage, and security features for cross-company scenarios.

How to Get Started with Exalate

1. Register your account at exalate.app
2. Connect your two systems by entering and verifying the source and destination URLs
3. Configure the sync rules using the scripting engine or with Aida AI assistance
4. Set up triggers to automate when syncs should occur
5. Use Test Run to validate your configuration before going live

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Backbone Work Sync integrate Jira with ServiceNow or Salesforce?

No. Backbone Work Sync only supports Jira-to-Jira synchronization. If you need to integrate Jira with ServiceNow, Salesforce, Zendesk, Azure DevOps, GitHub, Freshdesk, Freshservice, Asana, or other platforms, you need a tool like Exalate that supports cross-platform integration.

Which tool is better for cross-company integrations?

Exalate is designed specifically for cross-company integrations. It allows each party to maintain independent control over its data through separate incoming and outgoing sync scripts. Backbone Work Sync requires installation on both Jira instances (or remote licensing), which can be challenging when working with external partners who may have security restrictions on installing third-party apps.

How does Exalate’s pricing compare to Backbone’s user-based licensing?

Backbone charges are based on the number of users in your Jira instance, regardless of how many items you sync. Exalate uses outcome-based pricing where you pay for the number of active items in sync, not users. This means if you have a large Jira instance but only need to sync a small number of items, Exalate may be more cost-effective. Use the Pricing Calculator to estimate your costs.

Does Exalate require installation on both systems?

No. With Exalate, you register your account at exalate.app, connect your systems by entering the URLs, and start configuring. You don’t need to install Exalate on both systems separately.

What is Aida, and how does it help with integration?

Aida is Exalate’s AI assistant that helps you implement integrations based on your platform and the context of existing script rules. It can generate Groovy code snippets, explain errors in easy-to-understand language, and provide context-aware suggestions for error resolution. This reduces the learning curve for Groovy scripting and cuts troubleshooting time significantly.

Is Exalate secure enough for enterprise use?

Yes. Exalate is ISO 27001 certified and GDPR-compliant. It uses API tokens and OAuth for user verification, state-of-the-art authentication frameworks, and provides full script control over what data is sent and received. Enterprise plans offer additional data residency options. Visit the Trust Center for detailed security information.

What happened to “Backbone Issue Sync”?

K15t renamed Backbone Issue Sync to Backbone Work Sync in March 2025, following Atlassian’s terminology change from “issues” to “work items.” The functionality remains the same.

Can I try both tools before deciding?

Yes. Backbone Work Sync offers a 30-day free trial through the Atlassian Marketplace. Exalate offers a 30-day free trial with full access to all features and connectors.

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