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Jira SQL Server Integration: How to Connect Jira to SQL Server Using SQL Connector for Jira - Update 2024

Published: August 2, 2023
Last Updated: April 22, 2024
Support Team Lead at Alpha Serve
Step into the Jira SQL Server Integration world, where Jira diligently captures your daily project management nuances while SQL Server empowers you with formidable data processing capabilities. This seamless fusion enhances your data-handling potential. Craft tailored custom reports, navigate through intricate analysis, and immediately seize actionable business insights into your business on the go. In this article, we tell how you can do this with SQL Connector for Jira.

This article will guide you on how to connect Jira to SQL Server using the SQL Connector for Jira, providing step-by-step instructions for further custom reports and actionable insights into your business to optimize your project management and boost overall performance.
Jira SQL Server Database Integration: How to Connect Jira to SQL Server Using SQL Connector for Jira

What is Jira SQL Server Database Integration

What is Jira SQL Server Database Integration
Jira is a central hub for project management, issue tracking, and collaboration for many businesses, especially in IT. However, there are some limitations in processing all the valuable information that is collected. Jira's native data model is reliable and stable, but it lacks flexibility for customization and extensibility compared to external business intelligence systems. As organizations grow and handle larger volumes of data, the performance of Jira databases may become a bottleneck.

And finally, companies often have several systems or databases that store related data, such as customer information, project milestones, or financial data. So, to see the bigger picture, ensuring that all the meaningful data is considered for analysis is always beneficial.

It's the point where Jira SQL Server integration comes in handy. It is a powerful and versatile database management system that provides reliable data storage, advanced analytics, high availability, and seamless integration within the Microsoft technology stack. By lining both tools, you can export Jira data directly to the MSSQL database with additional benefits.

Jira SQL Server database integration allows you to centralize and consolidate data from various sources. It will enable you to streamline workflows, synchronize data, eliminate data silos, gain an overall view of all the available information, and ensure overall data consistency.

MSSQL provides robust reporting and analytics capabilities, which allows for complex data modeling, custom workflows, and advanced business logic that align with unique organizational requirements. So, by performing Jira MSSQL connectivity, you can use advanced reporting tools, generate custom reports, and perform an in-depth analysis of Jira Issues, Projects, Roles, User data, and any other available information.

Being a more scalable external database, Microsoft SQL Server will help to handle increased data loads over time and effectively process updated information. MSSQL also has robust backup and disaster recovery mechanisms in place. And it's one more substantial reason to connect Jira to SQL Server.

In such a way, you can ensure data integrity, mitigate the risk of data loss, and be able to recover data in case of system failures or disasters.

Why Connect Jira to SQL Server with SQL Connector for Jira

Why Connect Jira to SQL Server with SQL Connector for Jira
For a basic Jira SQL Server connection, you can use the standard method provided by Atlassian. Alternatively, you have the option to utilize a third-party add-on, such as SQL Connector for Jira. This connector proves particularly helpful for users seeking advanced exporting options without requiring technical expertise, allowing them to benefit fully from integrating both platforms.

Here are some advantages of using our connector for Jira MSSQL integration:

1. Direct Connection

With our user-friendly plugin interface, you can easily configure the export and fetch the data directly between the platforms for further use. It helps mitigate security risks, saves time and money, and decreases the number of possible errors, bugs, etc.

2. Custom Data Export

Broad filtering options allow the users to select only the data they need for further processing. You can choose to collect all the data available, opt for the basic configuration comprising the most widely used information, or make a precise selection of fields and tables using the checkboxes, JQL, etc.

3. Unlimited Data Sources

With SQL Connector for Jira, you can make as many data sources from Jira as you need for further data analysis performance. It may be helpful if you need to model several possible scenarios or prepare reports with different data sets.

4. Scheduled Auto-Refresh

If you need to update your data models or refresh data for reporting purposes on an ongoing basis, this feature will be helpful. Set the periods and even the time of data refresh to have your data exported regularly or by the required deadline.

5. View Data Source Export History

Sometimes, you may need to verify which data has already been exported, for example, to avoid including the same data in the following export or if you need to integrate this data with other data sources. So, we have added this option as well.

6. Assign Permissions

SQL Connector for Jira makes it possible to assign permissions to work with the app to different users or groups of users so that you can be assured that only authorized people can access your sensitive data.

How to Perform Jira MSSQL Server Database Integration Using SQL Connector for Jira

Jira MSSQL Server Database Integration
Performing Jira MSSQL Server database integration using SQL Connector for Jira is a straightforward process that allows you to leverage the power of Microsoft SQL Server's data processing capabilities with Jira's project management functionalities. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to achieve this integration.

Step 1: Install SQL Connector for Jira

Good news. Before purchasing the SQL connector, you can try it for free for 30 days. To do so, go to the product page on the Atlassian Marketplace and hit the Try it free button or install the app from the Jira menu.

​In the second case, tap Jira Cloud Apps in the upper menu, and select the Explore more apps section.
Install SQL Connector for Jira
When the new screen opens, type “SQL Connector for Jira Alpha Serve,” and press Enter. In the search results, you will see our Connector.
SQL Connector for Jira Alpha Serve
Click on it and select Try it free.
SQL Jira Connector
Any method you choose, the new window will open after triggering the free license request. You should click the Start free trial button, and the installation will start automatically.
SQL Jira Connector download
When the app is installed, you will get a corresponding notification. If it is successful, you will find SQL Connector for Jira in the App tab in the upper menu.

Step 2: Create a Jira API Token

To connect Jira and any database with SQL Connector for Jira, you need to create an API token. You can do this simply on your Jira account settings page.
connect Jira and SQL database with SQL Connector for Jira
Go to the Security tab and hit the Create and Manage API tokens link.
Atlassian account create and manage API tokens link
Then click the Create API token button.
Jira SQL Server Database API
Set an API token name and confirm by clicking Create.
SQL Connector for Jira API Token
Copy the API token and insert it on the Jira API token page.
Copy the API token and insert it on the Jira API token
You can access it following the path Apps > SQL Connector for Jira > Tokens. Then click Validate and save button.
SQL connector for Jira tokens
If you want to export data from Jira add-ons, you will need to create respective tokens for each of them. See the detailed instructions here.

Step 3: Create a Data Source in Jira SQL Connector

To create a data source according to your requirements, you must choose several options on the corresponding page. In the Title section, you will be asked to enter a data source name and description and set the users and groups of users that will be permitted to use the app.
Create a Data Source in Jira SQL Connector
Click the "Share settings" button to define which data source users or groups can access. From there, you can select the appropriate user groups and individual users who should have access. After making the necessary selections, click the "Save" button to save your changes and create the data source accordingly.
SQL Connector for Jira access permission
The filter issues section allows you to apply different filters to narrow your selection.
Select the "All" option to export all the existing issues.
sql jira work management filters
Click the "Validate JQL" button to set up the JQL filter.
sql jira jql filters
A Basic filter option also allows you to apply conventional field filters to refine your data selection further.
basic filters for jira issues
Then, you can filter the issues by Projects, Issue Types, and Statuses and define when the problems were created or updated.
SQL Connector for Jira select issue filters
Afterward, you can narrow your export data set with the Select Fields section.

Here you will see all the preselected issues and tables with the checkboxes, as well as some instruments that will help you to find what you are looking for. For instance, you can search definite items with a search field, including with a magnifier, and sort issues by their Names/IDs/Types with the View option.

Finally, you should click Save to apply changes in the corresponding section or start from scratch close to exit. You can also preview the selection or check the Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD) with appropriate options.
SQL Connector for Jira Entity Relationship Diagram (ERD)

Step 4: Export Data into Microsoft SQL Server Database

Once the data source is created, you will see it in your SQL Connector for Jira. To start exporting the data, you need to click the Export data button.
Export Data into Microsoft SQL Server Database
When you're exporting data from this source for the first time, you'll need to follow these steps to create a New connection:
  1. Begin by giving your connection a Title name. You can also include an optional Comment if desired.
  2. In the Database Type field, select MS SQL Server as your chosen database type.
  3. Next, provide the Host and Port information and the Database Name.
  4. Optionally, you can input the Database Schema, if applicable.
  5. Finish by entering your Username and Password credentials.
  6. Once you've completed these steps, remember to click the Save button to save the configuration layout.
For more comprehensive instructions and details regarding the setup configuration for MS SQL Server click here.

set up jira sql database connection
Press the Export Data button another time. After setting up the connection, pressing it twice is unnecessary. The button status will change to Cancel export when the data starts loading. You can choose this option at any time during the export. In case of successful export, you will get the status Exported. Other possible options: Not Exported, Loading, or Error. You can click the status icon to know more details if something is wrong.
export data from Jira to Microsoft SQL Server
For more information, check Microsoft SQL Server setup configuration.

Conclusion

Jira is used by most agile companies today and contains tons of valuable information. At the same time, Microsoft SQL Server is known as a powerful and versatile database management system that provides reliable data storage, advanced analytics, and seamless integration within the Microsoft technology stack. Jira SQL Server integration will enhance data management, reporting, customization, scalability, and interoperability, empowering organizations to optimize their processes even better.

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