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 were 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 work transitions in Jira Cloud,
- Script Listeners for triggering actions based on specific events,
- Scheduled Jobs for automating the creation of work items 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, Freshservice, Freshdesk, 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.
The Professional plan for Exalate’s Jira app starts at $6 per month for each system. To find out about the cost of the Enterprise plan, read more about Exalate pricing on our website.
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.
- A dedicated monitoring dashboard for tracking all the active and inactive connections.
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 the 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need a Jira integration tool?
Teams often use multiple platforms—Jira for development, ServiceNow for IT operations, Azure DevOps for another team, etc. Without integration, you’re stuck copying and pasting information between systems, which wastes time and creates errors. Integration tools eliminate that manual work and keep everyone on the same page regardless of which system they’re using.
What’s the difference between native Jira integrations and third-party tools?
Native integrations are built directly into Jira or the other platform you’re connecting to. They’re usually free but limited in what they can do. Third-party tools like Exalate are separate apps that offer more flexibility and customization. Native options work for basic needs, but Exalate’s script-based approach handles complex scenarios like custom field mapping, data transformations, or multi-directional syncs that templates can’t manage.
Can I integrate Jira with multiple platforms at once?
Yes. Exalate lets you connect Jira to several platforms simultaneously—Azure DevOps, ServiceNow, Salesforce, Zendesk, Freshservice, and more. Each connection can have its own sync rules and field mappings based on what each team needs. You could have Jira syncing development work to Azure DevOps while also syncing support tickets to ServiceNow, all running independently.
What is cross-instance integration?
Cross-instance integration connects two separate Jira instances—like syncing between your company’s Jira Cloud and a partner company’s Jira Server. Exalate excels at this since it’s built for cross-instance scenarios. You can sync work items between different Jira environments without those instances needing direct access to each other, which is common when departments use separate setups or when external teams collaborate.
Can I sync custom fields between Jira and other platforms with Exalate?
Absolutely. Exalate’s Groovy scripting lets you map any custom field from Jira to any field in the connected platform. You can even transform the data during sync—like converting a Jira dropdown value to match a different format in Azure DevOps, or splitting a single text field into multiple fields. This flexibility is one of Exalate’s main advantages over template-based tools.
What are MSP scenarios in Jira integrations?
MSP (Managed Service Provider) scenarios involve multiple client instances. An MSP might manage separate Jira instances for different clients but needs to aggregate data into its own ServiceNow instance. Exalate’s decentralized architecture handles this perfectly—you create separate connections from each client Jira to your central system, with each connection having its own sync rules.
Does Exalate’s bidirectional sync work in real-time?
Exalate syncs near real-time, typically within seconds of a change. You can configure sync intervals if needed, but most setups use the default real-time behavior. This keeps teams aligned immediately when someone updates a work item in either system.
Bidirectional sync means changes flow both ways between systems. If someone updates a ticket in Jira, it updates in ServiceNow. If someone updates that same ticket in ServiceNow, it syncs back to Jira. Exalate’s bidirectional sync keeps both systems as the source of truth instead of one system just receiving updates from the other.
What’s the difference between one-way and two-way sync in Exalate?
One-way sync pushes changes from Jira to another system but not back. Two-way (bidirectional) sync updates both systems when either changes. Exalate handles both, and you control the direction in your sync scripts. You could even have different fields syncing in different directions based on your workflow.
Can I sync Jira boards and sprints with other platforms using Exalate?
Exalate can sync sprint assignments and agile metadata between systems. If you’re syncing Jira work to Azure DevOps, you can map sprint data so both systems reflect the same agile planning. You define these mappings in your sync scripts based on how each platform structures its agile boards.
Can I do bulk operations with Exalate?
Yes, Exalate supports bulk syncing for migrating existing work items or performing large-scale updates. This is useful when first setting up an integration and needing to sync thousands of historical tickets. Exalate’s bulk sync feature handles the volume while maintaining your custom field mappings and transformations.
Can Exalate sync Jira with non-Atlassian products?
Absolutely. Exalate connects Jira with ServiceNow, Azure DevOps, Salesforce, Zendesk, Freshservice, Freshdesk, GitHub, and other platforms. That’s its core purpose—bridging Jira with whatever enterprise tools your organization uses. Each connection uses Groovy scripts to define exactly how data maps between the different systems.
What is AI Assist in Exalate?
Exalate’s AI Assist helps you write Groovy scripts for your integrations. Describe what you want to sync in plain language, and AI Assist generates the script code. It can suggest field mappings, create data transformation logic, or troubleshoot sync errors. This makes Exalate accessible to non-developers while still offering full scripting power when you need it.
Is Exalate secure?
Exalate’s decentralized architecture enhances security since your data flows directly between systems without passing through Exalate’s servers. Data is encrypted in transit, and Exalate follows standard security practices for Atlassian Marketplace apps. The distributed approach means you maintain control over where your data lives and how it moves. Find out more about Exalate’s security architecture from our Trust Center.
