Jira is a data gold mine when used and configured correctly. That’s why you need to keep it in sync with other internal and external systems (or instances) as part of any collaboration.
For companies looking to connect their Jira with other systems unidirectionally or bidirectionally, the vast library of Jira integration tools will always be at your disposal.
But who wants to deal with all that paradox of choice, anyway? If only there was a way to choose the perfect Jira integration based on features and requirements.
Oh wait, there is!
In this article, I’ll explore the best Jira integration tools for enterprises, starting with the essential features to look for when making your choice.
What are the Must-Have Features of Jira Integration Tools?
When choosing tools for Jira integration, consider the following features and capabilities.
- Automation: Modern integration solutions require automation to improve system synchronization accuracy and efficiency. Whether you use conditional triggers or AI-powered scripting, look for tools that can automate your workflow.
- Data transformation: Jira integration solutions should be able to transform data fetched from the APIs of other systems while retaining contextual information, e.g., they should maintain the same date-time format when integrating Jira with Salesforce.
- Level of support: When things go wrong with the integration tool or your admin gets caught up in a technical quagmire, the vendor’s support engineers should be on hand to guide you through the fix.
- Security and privacy: Since most integrations occur between systems that contain sensitive information at rest, always prioritize security features and compliance.
- Ease of integration: The Jira solution might have the best cutting-edge features, but if users are unable to configure or make changes to it, it will also increase the technical department.
- Collaboration features: Teams working on the same project should focus on integration solutions with dashboards, threaded comments, debugging consoles, and accessible sync queues.
- Customization options: The solution should be able to handle custom connections beyond the default fields. This includes drag-and-drop interfaces for API management and scripting consoles for establishing the mapping.
- Scalability: The features on the Jira data integration tool should be able to handle increasing workloads and user counts without experiencing any significant service disruptions.
If the Jira integration solution ticks all these boxes, then it’s the perfect tool for cross-team and cross-company integration scenarios.
Start off your integration journey by connecting two Jira instances to share data with each other.
10 Best Jira Integration Tools For Smooth Collaborations
Based on the must-have features mentioned earlier, we’ve gathered a list of tools that support Jira integration with other Jira instances and non-compatible systems.
I’ll also share their features to give you a broader view of their product offering and unique selling points.
ScriptRunner for Jira
ScriptRunner for Jira is an integration solution that helps users connect Jira projects and workflows to establish a hitch-free uni- or bi-directional sync.
Apart from Jira Cloud and Data Center, ScriptRunner also supports connections with other Atlassian apps such as BitBucket, Confluence, and Monday.com.
It allows users to work with Bitbucket Cloud and Jira Cloud integration tools for their projects.
ScriptRunner for Jira Features
- Script Console for building and managing APIs,
- Workflow Extensions for controlling issue transitions in Jira Cloud,
- Script Listeners for triggering actions based on specific events,
- Scheduled Jobs for automating the creation of issues and reports,
- Scripted fields for customizing how the information is displayed,
- Enhanced Search for easy searching using JQL functions and subqueries.
Exalate
Exalate is a Jira integration solution that enables the connection of Jira Cloud and Data Center instances with each other as well as with other systems. Platforms supported by Exalate include Salesforce, Zendesk, ServiceNow, GitHub, Azure DevOps, and many more.
As an AI-powered integration solution, Exalate allows users to script their connections using human prompts. Your data is also secure with Exalate, thanks to multiple layers of security, which is backed by ISO 27001:2022 certification.
Exalate Features
- No-code Basic mode for simple connections
- Platform native triggers for automated syncs
- Bulk operation support for faster integrations
- Robust queuing mechanism for monitoring syncs
- AI-enabled Groovy engine (AI Assist) for scripting custom connections
- Aida, an AI-powered documentation assistant for locating vital information in seconds.
Power BI Connector for Jira
This no-code solution for integrating Jira and Power BI helps you build custom Jira reports and dashboards in Power BI. It works for Jira Work Management, Service Management, and Software.
The Power BI connector for Jira Cloud is free. However, the version for the Data Center connection costs $1600 per year (for 50 users).
The only limitation to this solution is that it only connects Jira with Power BI and no other platforms. So, its scope of applicability is limited.
Power Bi Connector for Jira Features
- Pre-configured Jira dashboard templates
- Scheduled refreshes for actual Jira reporting
- Custom data exports using JQL and BASIC filters.
- Data export from Tempo suite, Xray, and other marketplace apps
Unito
As a two-way integration solution that supports connections with multiple platforms, Unito makes it possible for teams to connect their Jira instance in a cross-company or cross-platform setting.
Unito supports historical data synchronization by making use of an intuitive drag-and-drop editor.
In addition, Unito supports connections with over 60 different applications and tools, primarily available on-demand or for a premium.
Unito Features
- One-way and two-way data synchronization
- Contact merging by cross-referencing email addresses
- Workflow drafting and flow duplication
- Custom field mapping and rules configuration.
Zapier
Zapier is one of the most versatile and accessible automation tools for Jira integration. It supports cross-platform integration using pre-configured connectors.
Although Zapier supports Jira connection, it also provides access to a vast library of connections between CRMs, work management systems, databases, and others.
One major disadvantage of using Zapier is that you can’t explore custom connections or script them based on your own rules.
Zapier Features
- Zaps for automating workflows
- Tables or databases for storing data
- Interfaces (custom pages) for creating your own workflows
- Canvas for mapping workflows using AI
- Chatbots for answering customer questions.
Workato
As integration solutions go, Workato is one of the best tools for integrating Jira with other platforms. It automates complex workflows by using a specified set of instructions.
Workato has a vast library of pre-built connectors used to integrate thousands of SaaS apps, databases, and ERPs, both on-prem and in the cloud.
Workato Features
- Actions — conditions for controlling every connector
- Triggers — automatic action prompters configure events to occur automatically.
- API Platform — an all-in-one console for building, running, and managing APIs.
- Workflow Apps — a drag-and-drop editor for creating custom workflows between teams.
Tray.ai
Tray is a platform for building AI-powered agents that connect communication tools, work management systems, online databases, payment solutions, and more.
The Jira connector provided by Tray can connect with ERPs, CRMs, and other platforms to automate data transfer and speed up ticket resolution.
Tray.ai Features
- Merlin Agent Builder — an AI-powered solution for delivering production-ready AI agents.
- API Management for visual low-code development for any integration, automation, or API.
- Merlin AI-powered chat
Mulesoft Anypoint Platform
Mulesoft is an all-in-one platform that provides Anypoint connectors for controlling how Jira, Salesforce, and other systems interact with each other.
The Anypoint Jira Connector uses the Jira REST API v3 to synchronize data and automate business processes between Jira and third-party applications, either on-premises or in the cloud.
Although this connector uses OAuth2 and Basic authentication, it doesn’t support personal access tokens (PATs).
Mulesoft Anypoint Platform Features
- Anypoint Flex Gateway and API Governance
- Anypoint API Manager and API Experience Hub
- Anypoint API Designer and Code Builder
- Anypoint Studio – an IDE for integration and API development
- Anypoint Runtime Manager
- Anypoint Monitoring and Security.
Make
Make is a visual-first integration solution for synchronizing data between Jira and multiple other platforms. Its marketplace supports over 2000 applications, including social media apps, CRM tools, design platforms, databases, email, and communication tools.
The drag-and-drop editor allows you to visualize the connections and set up triggers with a no-code toolkit.
Make Features
- Flow control and data filtering
- Smooth error handling
- Integration with popular web services and systems
- Visual workflow editor for no-code scenario configuration
- Data management and integration
- 2FA and company-wide SSO
How Exalate Outshines all Jira Integration Tools
Exalate uses AI-powered scripting assistance to set up mapping rules between default and custom fields. It supports real-time connections between multiple Jira instances and Jira with systems like ServiceNow and Zendesk.
For instance, you can connect Jira Service Management with Jira Software to keep devs and support staff in sync. The data from the Service Management instance can be “exalated” to Zendesk or even Azure DevOps for further attention.
Exalate also works well for several Jira to ServiceNow use cases and connections with Salesforce cases. Most importantly, the data stays secure throughout the pipeline.
Want to discuss your Jira integration use case? Contact our solutions engineers for more details.
