Atlas

Basic Information

Atlassian Atlas is a teamwork directory designed to enhance communication and alignment across teams, applications, and work within an organization. It serves as a central repository for project information, goals, and team updates.

• Model/Version: Atlassian Atlas is a cloud-based service, evolving into "Platform Experiences" within the broader Atlassian ecosystem.
• Release Date: Atlas was introduced in 2022, following a private beta period under the name Team Central.
• Minimum Requirements: As a cloud-based service, specific client-side minimum requirements are generally low, focusing on internet connectivity and a compatible web browser. For the Assets Discovery Tool (related to Jira Service Management), minimum suggested configurations include 4GB RAM, a 2+ GHz CPU, and 500MB disk space.
• Supported Operating Systems: Access is primarily via web browser. For the Assets Discovery Tool, supported operating systems include Windows 10, Windows 11, Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, and various Linux distributions (Ubuntu Desktop 18.04, 20.04, 22.04; Debian 11-12; CentOS Stream 9).
• Latest Stable Version: Atlas is transitioning from a standalone product to integrated "Platform Experiences" within Atlassian's offerings.
• End of Support Date: As a standalone product, Atlas is being retired, with its features integrated into Atlassian's Platform Experiences. Existing Atlas customers are being migrated, and new Atlas workspaces are no longer provisionable as of May 1st, 2025.
• End of Life Date: The Atlas brand is being retired, with its functionalities becoming part of Atlassian's Platform Experiences. Atlassian Data Center products, which some Atlassian tools integrate with, have an End of Life date of March 28, 2029.
• Auto-update Expiration Date: As a cloud service, updates are continuous and managed by Atlassian.
• License Type: Atlas offers Free, Standard, and Premium plans. The free version supports up to 35,000 users. Upon its integration into Platform Experiences, many Atlas features, including previously paid ones, become free for all Atlassian users with access to Platform Experiences.
• Deployment Model: Cloud-only.

Technical Requirements

Atlassian Atlas operates as a cloud-based service, primarily accessed through a web browser. Direct client-side hardware requirements are minimal, focusing on network connectivity and browser compatibility. For specific components like the Assets Discovery Tool, more defined requirements exist.

• RAM: Minimum 4GB for the Assets Discovery Tool.
• Processor: Minimum 2+ GHz CPU for the Assets Discovery Tool.
• Storage: Minimum 500MB disk space for the Assets Discovery Tool.
• Display: A GUI-enabled operating system is required for the Assets Discovery Tool on Linux.
• Ports: For network communication with Assets in Jira Service Management Data Center, TCP-Port 445 or SSH-Copy (TCP-Port 22) is required. For Cloud, data uploads use HTTPS requests to api.atlassian.com and api.media.atlassian.com. SNMP (UDP-Port 161) is used for network devices, and WEB-API communication uses SSL-Port 443.
• Operating System: Access is via web browser. For the Assets Discovery Tool, Windows 10, 11, Server 2016/2019/2022, and Linux distributions like Ubuntu Desktop, Debian, and CentOS Stream are supported.

Analysis of Technical Requirements

The technical requirements for Atlassian Atlas itself are inherently low due to its cloud-native architecture, making it accessible from most modern devices with internet access. The more specific requirements pertain to optional, integrated tools like the Assets Discovery Tool, which necessitates a modest local hardware configuration. Network connectivity and proper port configuration are crucial for data transfer and integration with other Atlassian products, especially in Data Center deployments. The shift to Platform Experiences further emphasizes a browser-based, cloud-centric approach, minimizing local resource demands for the core functionality.

Support & Compatibility

Atlassian Atlas is evolving into a core part of the Atlassian Platform, with its features being integrated into "Platform Experiences."

• Latest Version: Atlas features are transitioning into Atlassian's Platform Experiences.
• OS Support: As a cloud-based web application, it supports any operating system capable of running a modern web browser. For specific tools like the Assets Discovery Tool, Windows 10, 11, Server 2016/2019/2022, and various Linux distributions are supported.
• End of Support Date: As a standalone product, Atlas is being retired, with its functionalities integrated into Atlassian's Platform Experiences. Existing Atlas workspaces are being migrated, and new ones are no longer provisionable as of May 1st, 2025.
• Localization: Atlassian products generally offer broad localization support, though specific details for Atlas within Platform Experiences are continuously evolving.
• Available Drivers: Not applicable for a cloud-based service; functionality is accessed via web browser.

Analysis of Overall Support & Compatibility Status

The support and compatibility status of Atlassian Atlas is undergoing a significant transition. While previously a standalone product, its integration into Atlassian's Platform Experiences means its features are now becoming universally available to Atlassian Cloud customers. This move aims to provide a more unified experience and stronger integrations across the Atlassian suite. Compatibility is high for web access, and specific desktop tools like the Assets Discovery Tool maintain support for common operating systems. The end of support for the standalone Atlas product is part of a strategic shift towards a more integrated cloud platform.

Security Status

Atlassian products, including Atlas, leverage robust security measures inherent to the Atlassian Cloud platform.

• Security Features: Atlassian Cloud products incorporate strong authentication and authorization mechanisms. Features include API tokens, OAuth 2.0, and two-step verification. Atlassian also focuses on operational security, permissions management, and secure environments for its products.
• Known Vulnerabilities: Atlassian regularly publishes security advisories for its products, addressing vulnerabilities such as XSS, Log4j, broken access control, and authentication issues.
• Blacklist Status: No general blacklist status is indicated for Atlassian Atlas.
• Certifications: Atlassian maintains various compliance and security certifications for its cloud platform, though specific certifications for Atlas as a distinct product are subsumed under the broader Atlassian Cloud offerings.
• Encryption Support: Atlassian Cloud services typically employ encryption for data in transit and at rest.
• Authentication Methods: Supports API tokens, OAuth 2.0 (3LO), and two-step verification. Basic authentication with passwords has been deprecated in favor of API tokens for REST APIs. Atlassian Guard and SAML single sign-on are also available for enterprise users.
• General Recommendations: Atlassian recommends using strong authentication methods like API tokens and OAuth 2.0, implementing IP whitelisting, and configuring comprehensive security policies.

Analysis on the Overall Security Rating

Atlassian Atlas, as part of the Atlassian Cloud ecosystem, benefits from a strong security posture. Atlassian emphasizes robust authentication and authorization, including modern standards like OAuth 2.0 and API tokens, while deprecating less secure methods. The platform incorporates features like two-step verification and offers enterprise-grade security options such as SAML SSO. Regular security advisories and a focus on compliance indicate a proactive approach to managing vulnerabilities. Overall, the security rating is high, provided users adhere to best practices for account security and leverage available features.

Performance & Benchmarks

As a cloud-based teamwork directory, Atlassian Atlas's performance is primarily measured by its ability to facilitate communication, alignment, and information flow rather than traditional hardware benchmarks.

• Benchmark Scores: Not applicable for this type of asset.
• Real-world Performance Metrics: Performance is characterized by efficient status updates, quick access to project and goal information, and seamless integration with other Atlassian tools. Users report that Atlas helps in reducing unproductive meetings and provides clear context for work.
• Power Consumption: Not applicable for a cloud-based service.
• Carbon Footprint: Atlassian as a company has seen an increase in greenhouse gas emissions, though it is actively working on climate goals and supplier partnerships to address this.
• Comparison with Similar Assets: Atlas is often compared to collaborative work management tools and project management platforms like monday.com, Asana, Visio, Lucid Visual Collaboration Suite, Creately, and Workleap. It differentiates itself by acting as a "teamwork directory" that connects the dots across various tools and teams, rather than being a standalone project management tool.

Analysis of the Overall Performance Status

Atlassian Atlas's performance is not about raw processing power but about its effectiveness in streamlining communication and providing transparency across an organization. It excels in offering a high-level overview of projects, goals, and team activities, reducing information silos. The system is designed for quick, concise updates, minimizing the need for lengthy status meetings. Its integration capabilities with other Atlassian products like Jira and Confluence are key to its performance, allowing for a unified view of work. While some users note a learning curve with Atlassian products generally, Atlas aims to simplify cross-team visibility. The transition to Platform Experiences is expected to further enhance its performance by integrating these capabilities more deeply into the Atlassian ecosystem.

User Reviews & Feedback

User reviews for Atlassian Atlas highlight its strengths in fostering collaboration and transparency, while also pointing out areas for improvement.

• Strengths:
  • Enhanced Collaboration and Alignment: Users appreciate Atlas for connecting teams, apps, and work, providing a clear overview of who is working on what and why. It helps in aligning teams with company goals and reducing communication silos.
  • Visibility and Context: Atlas serves as a central repository for project information, goals, and status updates, making it easier for stakeholders to understand progress without delving into specific tools.
  • Integration with Atlassian Ecosystem: Its seamless integration with other Atlassian tools like Jira, Confluence, and Trello is a significant advantage, allowing for a connected workflow.
  • Goal Tracking: The ability to set and track goals, including OKRs, and link them to projects is highly valued.
  • Concise Updates: The emphasis on short, regular updates (e.g., 280-character limit) helps keep information digestible and relevant.
• Weaknesses:
  • Manual Input and Updates: Some users find the requirement for manual input and regular updates time-consuming, wishing for more automation or deeper integrations.
  • Limitations for Long-Running Projects: Atlas's project structure, which assumes a finite completion date, can be unsuitable for ongoing applications or maintenance tasks, leading to potential overhead.
  • Integration with Non-Atlassian Users: Sharing progress with stakeholders outside the Atlassian ecosystem can be a challenge, as they may need to create an Atlassian account even for the free version.
  • Potential for Noise: While customizable, the volume of updates can become noisy if not managed effectively, though users can follow specific projects to mitigate this.
  • Complexity for New Users: Like other Atlassian products, there can be a learning curve for new users, especially those unfamiliar with the ecosystem.
• Recommended Use Cases:
  • Cross-functional Team Communication: Ideal for organizations with multiple teams needing to stay aligned on shared objectives.
  • Project and Goal Tracking: Excellent for visualizing project progress, tracking goals (OKRs, SMART goals, KPIs), and understanding how work contributes to broader objectives.
  • Stakeholder Communication: Provides a centralized way to keep all relevant parties informed about project status and team activities without requiring access to detailed project management tools.
  • Onboarding and Organizational Change Management: Helps new team members quickly understand ongoing projects, team structures, and company goals.
  • Reducing Meeting Overhead: Facilitates asynchronous updates, potentially reducing the need for frequent status meetings.

Summary

Atlassian Atlas emerges as a strategic tool designed to address the challenges of communication, alignment, and visibility within modern, often distributed, organizations. Its core strength lies in acting as a "teamwork directory," providing a high-level overview of projects, goals, and team activities across the Atlassian ecosystem and beyond.

Strengths: Atlas excels at fostering cross-functional collaboration and ensuring all stakeholders understand the "why" behind the work. It centralizes project context, goal tracking, and team profiles, making it easier to see how individual efforts contribute to broader organizational objectives. Its deep integration with other Atlassian tools like Jira and Confluence allows for a unified workflow and leverages existing data. The emphasis on concise, regular updates helps maintain transparency and can reduce the need for time-consuming status meetings. The availability of a generous free tier makes it accessible for many teams.

Weaknesses: The primary criticisms revolve around the need for manual updates, which can be perceived as tedious, and limitations for managing truly long-running, open-ended projects. While it connects information, it is not a detailed project management tool itself, and users seeking granular data or complex reporting may need to rely on other integrated tools. Sharing information with external stakeholders who are not part of the Atlassian ecosystem can also present a hurdle.

Recommendations: Atlassian Atlas is highly recommended for organizations struggling with information silos, misaligned teams, or a lack of transparency regarding project status and goals. It is particularly beneficial for companies already invested in the Atlassian ecosystem, as it significantly enhances the value of their existing tools. Teams should establish clear guidelines for regular updates to maximize its effectiveness. While it may not replace dedicated project management software for day-to-day task execution, it provides invaluable strategic oversight and communication. The ongoing transition of Atlas features into Atlassian's Platform Experiences suggests a future of even deeper integration and accessibility, making it a foundational component for organizational alignment.

The information provided is based on publicly available data and may vary depending on specific device configurations. For up-to-date information, please consult official manufacturer resources.