When an app requires a manual update, it is important to inform the end user automatically. This allows the user to request an update by asking Jira Admins to perform the update and install the latest version. This ensures the app remains functional and up-to-date, avoiding the issues associated with using an outdated version that has undergone numerous updates since installation.

Problem

Developer console data shows that many customers are running a very old version of our solution. Some have even been using a version since July 2021! In other words, they installed the app more than three years ago and never updated it, missing out on 90+ releases.

Customers who have an older major version are not automatically updated. These customers will have problems that slowly undermine the value the app provides:

• Recently, customers using versions that use the Forge sandbox runtime saw a significant performance hit.
• A customer on an older version saw an endless "Grant access" loop and couldn't get the app to load.
  •  Solved the issue by updating

The root cause of the problem is that the current method of introducing new versions to Jira Admins by email is not working efficiently. Many Jira Admins do not see these emails, as many never update. So, these customers will slowly see performance degrading and other problems we have seen examples of. We make considerable effort and send emails to inform customers of every major update. And nothing happens even though we send direct emails to customers explaining that we see production errors and alerts on their Jira instance. They do not update. So, this is critical for all parties to find a good solution.

Solution

The solution is partly in place because we can build on the existing Request App installation feature. When new updates that need installation from a Jira Admin are available, show users a new version with a simple icon next to the issue-panel action menu, as shown below.

1. Notify users when a new update is available
   
2. Allow users to Request app update: When users click the icon, a message about the release is shared, and a button to request an update is displayed, similar to how users can today "Request App installation".
   
3. Allow Jira Admins to process requests easily
   It should be possible to reuse/ build on the existing "Request App installation" feature from the Jira Admin site.