Before relying on a project-management platform's backup promise, ask exactly what is captured, where the copy is stored, how long it remains usable, and what a restore would overwrite. A downloadable file is not automatically a complete or safely restorable backup.
What data is included?
Request a written inventory of work items, descriptions, comments, attachments, boards, sprints, users, groups, workflows, custom fields, permissions, automation rules, integrations, and app data. Ask whether deleted or archived material is included and whether attachments require a separate option.
Atlassian's Jira Cloud export documentation lists work items, fields, boards, sprint data, users, groups, comments, selected media, and configuration among exportable data. It also identifies exclusions such as automation flows, third-party app data, some Jira Service Management data, and app access settings. Review the current list in Export data from Jira Cloud. The important lesson is to compare the export scope with the features your team actually uses.
Is export the same as restore?
Ask whether the file supports a full-site restore, a project-only import, or only reporting and migration. Find out whether the restore replaces existing data, requires an empty destination, or changes links, account mappings, and credentials. Document the administrator permissions required for both export and restore.
Atlassian notes that its Backup Manager export has a defined structure for database and media data, and that some settings must be reconfigured after import. Its guidance also says restores from Backup Manager are limited to backups no more than 30 days old beginning January 22, 2026. These are product-specific boundaries, not a universal rule.
What is the retention and storage model?
Ask who controls encryption, storage region, retention, deletion, and access logs. Determine whether the provider copy is kept in the same service failure domain as production. If your plan includes managed backup and restore, verify whether you can download the backup to storage you control.
Atlassian's backup overview says its separate Backup and Restore service keeps backups in Atlassian storage for 30 days. Its FAQ also says Marketplace app data is not supported and that backups from Backup Manager are not interchangeable with its Backup and Restore service. See Atlassian backup FAQs.
Can recovery be tested safely?
Ask whether a restore can run in an isolated sandbox without replacing production. Define a test that checks projects, attachments, permissions, workflows, links, and integrations. Record the time required to make data usable, not just the time to upload a file.
Use only complete, supported backups in a recovery test. The Atlassian FAQ recommends restoring complete backups and explains that incomplete backups can lack attachments or spaces. It also places restrictions on the target environment. Never test by importing a full-site backup into a live workspace without a documented rollback plan and explicit approval.
Make the decision
Score each option on coverage, retention, independent copies, export frequency, restore scope, permissions, testability, documented limits, and cost. Write down gaps and compensating controls. The right answer is the one whose recovery behavior is understood and tested for your actual project data, not the one with the broadest marketing phrase.
Sources
- Export data from Jira Cloud — Atlassian Support
- Backup and restore frequently asked questions — Atlassian
- Overview of Atlassian Backup and Restore — Atlassian