As organizations increasingly rely on Jira for project and workflow management, many teams realize that the out-of-the-box features or even third-party add-ons don’t fully cover their unique requirements. At that point, a key question arises: Should you invest in building a custom Jira app or rely on an Atlassian Marketplace app?
This article explores both options in depth, comparing their strengths and trade-offs. By the end, you’ll have a clearer picture of which path best supports your company’s internal tools strategy.
Marketplace Apps – Fast and Convenient Solutions
Pros
Quick deployment: Apps can be installed from the Marketplace and used instantly.
Vetted by Atlassian: Marketplace apps go through a security and compliance review.
Frequent updates: Vendors regularly improve features and fix bugs.
Customer support: Most vendors provide documentation, support portals, and knowledge bases.
Cons
Limited customization: Marketplace apps rarely match 100% of your workflows.
Vendor dependency: If the vendor changes pricing, roadmap, or support, you have little control.
Recurring costs: Subscription fees often scale with the number of Jira users, which can get expensive over time.
Custom Jira Apps – Tailored for Your Business
Pros
Full customization: Built to match your internal processes precisely.
Complete control: You own the roadmap, release cycle, and integration scope.
Custom UI/UX: Optimized specifically for your team’s needs.
Scalable: Can evolve alongside your business without vendor restrictions.
Cons
Higher upfront investment: Development and ongoing maintenance require budget.
Technical expertise required: You’ll need developers familiar with Forge, Connect, or Data Center frameworks.
Lifecycle management: Custom apps must be updated to remain compatible with Jira’s changing APIs and versions.
Side-by-Side Comparison
When to Choose Marketplace Apps
Small and mid-sized companies with standard processes.
Teams that need fast setup with minimal effort.
Organizations without special compliance or integration needs.
When to Choose Custom Jira Apps
Enterprises with complex, highly specific workflows.
Companies requiring deep integration with internal systems (ERP, CRM, HRM).
Regulated industries (finance, healthcare, government) with strict compliance needs.
Businesses aiming to build unique UI/UX to boost productivity.
Strategic Takeaway
It doesn’t always have to be an “either/or” decision. In practice, many companies combine both approaches:
Use Marketplace apps for common needs like reporting, time tracking, or workflow automation.
Invest in custom Jira apps where unique business processes or integrations demand it.
At DS Solution Vietnam, we have helped clients modernize their Jira ecosystem by:
Developing custom Forge apps tailored for enterprise workflows.
Maintaining and upgrading Data Center plugins for on-prem environments.
Advising vendors on balancing Marketplace apps with custom solutions.
📩 Considering whether to go with a Marketplace app or build your own custom Jira app?
Let’s discuss the best solution for your team’s internal tools and long-term strategy.
