Women in Tech at Oxalis: Why Our Culture Rocks

We all know tech needs more women leaders, and honestly, we’re kind of killing it here at Oxalis. It’s more than just hiring amazing women – it’s about the way we work together, support each other, and make an impact on our clients. That’s our secret sauce.

Meet some of our stars: There’s Mary Sullivan, Sharon Liu, and Emelinda Daly – crushing it as Solutions Consultants and a Technical Specialist. These women aren’t just part of the team; they’re redefining what leadership in tech looks like. So, let’s hear it from them – the challenges, the big wins, and how being at Oxalis lets them make a real difference.

Mary Sullivan

Sharon Liu

Emelinda Daly

The tech world is changing fast. What skills and qualities do you believe are essential for women leaders to cultivate to make a lasting impact?

As a female leader, it’s crucial to speak your mind with both confidence and grace. It’s not always easy in male-dominated workspaces, but it’s how we make our voices heard and drive change.
MARY SULLIVAN, SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT

Sharon: As a woman in the workplace, I find that our innate emotional intelligence and attentive listening skills bring invaluable insights to client interactions. At Oxalis, I’m grateful that my perspective is not only acknowledged but actively incorporated into our solutions, ensuring that we effectively address our clients’ needs and challenges.

Mary: Building on Sharon’s point, being detail-oriented and a quick problem solver are so important. Often, clients come to us knowing an issue exists, but not how to fix it. We jump on calls, answer a barrage of questions, and find solutions collaboratively – all in real time. This fast-paced environment is where women at Oxalis truly shine. Our focus on details and our natural creativity allows us to think on our feet and deliver exceptional solutions under pressure.

Emy: I focus on the technical side, not sales, but great customer service is key. Too often, I overhear tech support blaming customers instead of figuring out the problem. My approach is simple: the customer had an issue, period. It doesn’t matter if the system’s perfect — something went wrong for them. Understanding how they use the system, and where it caused friction, lets us build better experiences for everyone. This way, we focus on solutions, not blame. My goal is always ensuring the customer can get their work done, regardless of who was “at fault.”

How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with customers in the tech sector? Are there any strategies or lessons you’ve found to be effective?

Building strong customer relationships is crucial, and video conferencing makes a big difference. Emails and texts lack the personal touch that fosters connection. A face-to-face Zoom meeting at the beginning sets the stage for a more positive experience. Seeing someone’s face allows for better engagement and helps you understand their communication style. This initial investment of time can lead to a smoother, more productive working relationship in the long run.
EMELINDA DALY, TECHNICAL SPECIALIST

Mary: I’ve found that taking a few minutes for genuine connection at the start and end of calls goes a long way. It adds a human touch, which is so important. Building rapport by asking about someone’s family or weekend plans helps forge that personal bond while keeping work goals in sight. Sharing a bit of my own personality – maybe some humor or a quick mention of my hobbies – invites others to do the same. This approach has made my customer relationships and internal collaborations so much stronger.

Emy: Every customer has a unique working style. Some are strictly focused on the task at hand, while others prefer a more collaborative approach. Understanding and adapting to their communication style is key to building a successful working relationship.

Sharon: Mary’s right. Taking a few minutes to genuinely ask ‘How are you doing?’ can make a huge difference in meetings. Clients often have struggles beyond the immediate project, and just listening creates a safe space to share. Sometimes we can even find ways to help! Investing time upfront to truly get to know your clients – especially during onboarding – builds trust and comfort. This leads to smoother communication and better collaboration throughout the whole project.

Why would you encourage women in the technology industry to join the team at Oxalis?

Oxalis empowers you to perform your best on your own terms. I love having the flexibility to be myself and find the work style that really drives my success.
MARY SULLIVAN, SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT

Mary: I would wholeheartedly recommend Oxalis to anyone, regardless of gender. What sets this place apart is how much Oxalis values the whole person. Too many workplaces don’t see the full picture of what you bring, and that’s why so many people end up unhappy in their jobs. Here, I’ve seen the company’s commitment firsthand: flexible schedules, generous leave policies – Oxalis truly supports its employees. That kind of respect makes a world of difference.

Sharon: The flexibility here is amazing. If you have a good idea, they encourage you to share it! Instead of shutting you down, they’re likely to say, “That’s fantastic – go for it!” This feels incredibly empowering, especially as a woman. Other companies I’ve worked for boxed you into a narrow role, which stifled my drive to contribute. At Oxalis, the possibilities feel endless, and I think that sense of potential is something we all value.

Emy: During COVID, I needed to take leave unexpectedly. Jon, our CEO was incredibly supportive. He not only helped me personally, but also championed a change to the company handbook. Now, there’s more flexibility for unpaid leave and sabbaticals — it’s about addressing the whole person’s needs. This supportive culture extends to vacations as well. Unlike previous jobs, I truly feel comfortable disconnecting when I’m out. Everyone respects personal time here, and management leads by example. As Mary said, I could not endorse Oxalis more highly for a place to create a career. They’ve built a fantastic team, and the company culture truly sets them apart.

Share an example of how Oxalis’ culture directly helped you develop a new skill or improve an existing one. How does this impact your work?

The flexibility here is amazing. If you have a good idea, they encourage you to share it! Instead of shutting you down, they’re likely to say, “That’s fantastic – go for it!” This feels incredibly empowering, especially as a woman.
SHARON LIU, SOLUTIONS CONSULTANT

Emy: Oxalis approaches every problem with an open mind. We’re solution-focused, which sometimes means developing entirely new skills along the way. The company supports this learning process, which has been invaluable for my professional growth. In my field, staying ahead means constant adaptation, and Oxalis gives me the space to do that.

Mary: Oxalis has transformed the way I approach consulting — how I present myself, even the words I use with clients. I’ve grown both by watching others and through my own successes and failures. Beyond the technical skills for my daily work, Oxalis fosters an environment where I’m always seeking new ways to improve. They’ve supported me in earning certifications, staying up to date on our technology, and constantly learning. This focus on personal and professional development isn’t something all my friends experience in their workplaces. Oxalis encourages me to expand my network, give back to my university, and pursue opportunities to grow both within and beyond the company.

Sharon: Oxalis is all about possibilities – the flexibility to explore and the support to grow. If I’m interested in something, like project management, I know they’ll help me pursue it. They give me the resources, the encouragement – it’s never about staying in one narrow lane. Being stuck doing the same repetitive tasks limits your growth potential. Oxalis opens possibilities. When you see an opportunity, they say ‘Go for it!’ That’s what’s propelled my professional development the most.

Beyond Women in Tech: How Oxalis Builds an Inclusive Workplace

The success stories of Mary Sullivan, Sharon Liu, and Emelinda Daly at Oxalis highlight the power of an inclusive company culture. Oxalis doesn’t merely talk about female leadership – they create an environment where everyone can thrive. They value confidence, detail-orientation, problem-solving, and empathy – essential skills for women leaders in tech. The focus on personal connection and understanding customer needs reinforces the benefit of a human-centered approach.

Most importantly, Oxalis empowers all employees to reach their potential. Their flexibility, emphasis on professional growth, and support for well-being create an environment where everyone can excel. This inclusive approach isn’t just about helping women succeed – it’s the key to innovation and progress within the tech industry. Oxalis sets a powerful example of how company culture can empower women leaders and shape a more inclusive future for the entire field.

Join our team at Oxalis and make your mark on the tech industry. Apply today and discover how your talent and passion can thrive.

Unlocking Enhanced Security: BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence

Keeping your data secure is paramount. Atlassian’s Cloud products encrypt data at rest, but now you have even more control with Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) encryption for Jira Software & Confluence (Early Access Program).

Atlassian Cloud products now empower you to take control of your data encryption with Bring Your Own Key (BYOK). Previously, Atlassian generated encryption keys for each customer and managed them within AWS Key Management Service (KMS) using their own account. Now, you can choose to encrypt your Jira and Confluence data with keys stored directly in your own AWS account.

Who needs BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence?

BYOK encryption for Jira & Confluence is ideal for organizations with highly sensitive data or those in strictly regulated industries. These organizations often have strong compliance requirements and need the utmost control over their encryption keys. BYOK offers them the ability to manage and rotate their own keys, ensuring that even Atlassian doesn’t have access to decrypt their data. This extra layer of control can be crucial for meeting specific security standards and mitigating the risk of unauthorized access. It empowers you to:

Manage your encryption keys: You hold the keys in your dedicated AWS account, giving you complete control and the ability to revoke access in emergencies.
Gain audit trail visibility: Take advantage of AWS CloudTrail to monitor key activity and access detailed logs.

BYOK is available to Cloud Enterprise plans with any of these Atlassian products:

Jira Software
Jira Work Management*
Jira Product Discovery*
Jira Service Management (EAP)
Confluence (EAP)

Who Can Use BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence?

Atlassian offers BYOK encryption on a tiered basis for Jira & Confluence. For Jira Software, all Cloud Enterprise or Cloud Enterprise trial subscribers have immediate access to BYOK encryption. However, BYOK encryption for Jira Service Management and Confluence is still in an Early Access Program (EAP). To leverage BYOK encryption for Jira Service Management and Confluence, contact your Atlassian Enterprise account representative to confirm your eligibility for the Early Access Program (EAP).

Jira Service Management implementation services

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Benefits of BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence

Leveraging BYOK encryption for Jira & Confluence unlocks several advantages, especially for organizations handling sensitive data. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits:

Enhanced Security: Mitigate the risk associated with relying on someone else’s keys.
- Using your own encryption key removes the potential security risk inherent in using someone else’s key. You manage and control the key at all times, including the ability to revoke access in the event of security emergencies, such as intrusion.
Granular Control: Manage and audit key usage within your AWS environment.
- You have full visibility into key-related activity because you’re using your own AWS account, and you can use tools like AWS CloudTrail to record activity and access audit logs.
Compliance Alignment: Facilitate adherence to strict data security regulations.
- BYOK encryption can help your organization meet compliance requirements for data security, especially those that mandate stricter control over encryption keys.

Using your own encryption key removes the potential security risk inherent in using someone else’s key. You manage and control the key at all times, including the ability to revoke access in the event of security emergencies, such as intrusion. You have full visibility into key-related activity because you’re using your own AWS account, and you can use tools like AWS CloudTrail to record activity and access audit logs.

Who Should Use BYOK Encryption?

If you have more stringent security or compliance needs and are already on Atlassian’s Cloud Enterprise plan, then BYOK encryption for Jira & Confluence is a good fit. Oxalis can help you assess whether your organization would benefit.

What Data Does BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence Cover?

BYOK encryption for Jira & Confluence secures a significant portion of your data, but it’s not all-encompassing. Here’s the breakdown:

Good news: When enabled for Jira Software or Service Management, BYOK safeguards all product data for Jira family products within that same site. This means your project details, tickets, attachments, and comments in Jira applications are shielded by BYOK encryption.
Important to note: Certain data categories like backups, personal access tokens, and audit logs remain encrypted using keys managed by Atlassian.

For a complete picture of what BYOK encrypts, we recommend consulting Atlassian’s documentation.

As of March 2024, Atlassian’s BYOK only covers data stored in a few Cloud products, as shown in the image below:

If you need more complete encryption of data in Jira and Confluence, Atlassian’s Data Center products may be the answer. With Data Center, since you host the product instances yourself, you have full control over the underlying file systems, disks, and database, and can enable encryption. Oxalis can help you decide if Data Center better suits your needs. We offer a range of services, from implementing encryption solutions (like Self-Encrypting Drives, Linux Unified Key Setup, or Windows BitLocker) to assisting you with setup. Additionally, we can facilitate the migration of your instances from Cloud to Data Center. We can also migrate your instances from Cloud to Data Center.

How Do I Enable BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence?

Ready to enable BYOK encryption for Jira & Confluence?

Set Up a Dedicated AWS Account: Security first! Create a new AWS account solely for managing BYOK encryption for your Atlassian products. Avoid compromising security by using an existing account shared with other applications.
IAM Role Setup: Within your dedicated AWS account, configure an Identity and Access Management (IAM) role (for the Stack Name, use atlassian-key-management-role). This role grants Atlassian the necessary, limited permissions to manage encryption keys on your organization’s AWS account via AWS KMS (Key Management Service).
AWS KMS Key Costs: Be aware that each KMS key incurs a $1/month charge. Additional costs apply if you anticipate exceeding 20,000 requests per month.

Finally, an admin for the relevant Atlassian organization (or an Atlassian Partner, such as Oxalis) contacts your Enterprise account representative to set up your BYOK encryption and add a BYOK-encrypted product to your site. You can check the provisioning status of your BYOK sites through admin.atlassian.com.

BYOK Encryption for Jira & Confluence — The Security tab in your Admin site shows the current BYOK-enabled products,
along with the domain they belong to. *Photo credit: Atlassian*

Important Notes

Atlassian currently supports BYOK in two regions: the European Union and the United States; data cannot be migrated between locations after selection.

BYOK is available for JSM and Confluence only to participants in Atlassian’s Early Access Program (EAP), which lets you use upcoming releases while developers are still working on them. Cloud Enterprise plans now have full access to BYOK encryption for Jira Software! If you already have an Enterprise account representative, they can sign you up. If not, Oxalis can help evaluate whether Cloud Enterprise is a good fit for your organization, and can sign you up for the EAP for Jira Service Management and Confluence.

BYOK encryption offers enhanced data security and control for organizations with sensitive data in Jira & Confluence, particularly those in regulated industries. While BYOK doesn’t cover everything (backups and audit logs for example), it safeguards critical project details, tickets, attachments, and comments. BYOK encryption only applies to new products created within a site. You cannot retroactively add BYOK to existing products.

Here’s the inside scoop on BYOK limitations:

Single BYOK Policy per Organization: Your organization can only have one BYOK encryption policy, applied at the Admin site level.
New Products Only: BYOK applies proactively. You cannot enable it for existing products; they must be created with BYOK from the start.
Adding New Products: Atlassian can activate BYOK for new products added to the same site. However, directly adding a product through admin.atlassian.com won’t enable BYOK encryption.
Data Re-encryption: While you can’t re-encrypt product data with a new key, you can leverage AWS KMS’s auto-rotation feature set to occur annually. This ensures your encryption keys stay fresh.

Once BYOK encryption is in place, you can revoke access, restore access, and request BYOK re-encryption of previously encrypted data. For more detailed information, Atlassian has a BYOK FAQ that may answer some basic questions about BYOK encryption for Jira and Confluence.

Considering BYOK for your Atlassian instance? Oxalis, an Atlassian Platinum Solutions Partner, can help! Our experts can assess your needs and determine if BYOK is the right fit for your data security posture. We can also handle the implementation process or guide you through it yourself. Contact our experts today to learn more!

Jira Service Management vs. Cherwell: Why JSM is the Clear Winner

In today’s digital age, speed is king. Businesses need to deliver exceptional service at breakneck pace to stay competitive. Achieving this requires seamless collaboration – not just within teams, but across the entire organization. Development, IT, and business teams must work in perfect harmony to identify issues, implement solutions, and continuously improve.

That’s where IT service management (ITSM) comes in. ITSM solutions provide a central platform to streamline IT requests, track incidents, and manage the overall service lifecycle. But with so many options on the market, choosing the right ITSM solution can be a challenge.

This blog post throws down the gauntlet between two popular contenders: Atlassian’s Jira Service Management (JSM) and Cherwell Service Management by Ivanti, which will go “End of Life” in 2026. We’ll delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each platform, ultimately revealing why, when it comes to the question of Jira Service Management vs. Cherwell, JSM emerges as the clear winner for businesses seeking high-velocity service delivery.

Jira Service Management vs. Cherwell in a Head-to-Head Matchup

Cherwell to Jira Service Management Migration

When it comes to choosing the right ITSM solution for high-velocity service delivery, two strong contenders emerge: Jira Service Management (JSM) and Cherwell Service Management. But beneath the surface, key differences can make a significant impact on your team’s efficiency and overall success. Here’s a breakdown of how JSM pulls ahead:

Collaboration Chokehold vs. Seamless Teamwork

Cherwell can create data silos, hindering communication and collaboration across development, IT, and business teams. JSM, on the other hand, thrives on breaking down these barriers. Its unified platform streamlines workflows, fosters transparency, and ensures everyone is on the same page. Imagine a single source of truth for all service requests, incidents, and changes — that’s the power of JSM.

Data Migration Maze vs. Federated Freedom

Migrating existing data structures to a new system can be a nightmare. JSM understands this pain point. Its innovative federated data model allows you to keep your existing data structures intact while simultaneously providing a unified view for everyone. This eliminates the need for disruptive data migrations and empowers teams with the information they need, right at their fingertips.

ITIL Lock-in vs. Flexible Framework

ITIL is a popular ITSM framework, but a rigid implementation can stifle your organization’s unique needs. JSM offers a refreshingly flexible approach. You can tailor ITIL to your specific processes, ensuring a perfect fit for your workflows. Cherwell, however, leans towards a more rigid implementation, potentially forcing you to adapt your well-established practices to the software. With JSM, you remain in control, customizing ITIL to work for you.

Interface Intrigue vs. User-Friendly Finesse

A complex interface can slow down adoption and hinder user experience. JSM boasts an intuitive and user-friendly design that minimizes setup time and training for your teams. They’ll be up and running in no time, focusing their efforts on delivering exceptional service. Cherwell’s interface, on the other hand, can be more intricate, requiring a steeper learning curve for new users. JSM gets everyone on board quickly and efficiently.

Deployment Drag vs. Streamlined Setup

Rolling out a new system shouldn’t feel like pulling teeth. JSM streamlines the implementation process, ensuring faster deployment and quicker adoption across your teams. This translates to maximized efficiency from day one. No more waiting around for clunky software to get up and running. JSM gets you started quickly, allowing your teams to focus on what matters most.

ROI Roadblock vs. Rapid Value

Seeing a return on your investment (ROI) is of paramount importance. JSM’s intuitive design and streamlined setup ensure that your organization can start reaping the benefits of service management quickly. This translates to a faster ROI compared to Cherwell, where longer deployment cycles can delay the value you might realize from the software. JSM gets you moving ahead and seeing results faster.

Why JSM Shines: Key Advantages and Real-World Results

JSM and Cherwell may both be ITSM contenders, but JSM takes the lead in several crucial areas, empowering your teams to deliver service at the speed of business. Let’s delve deeper into these advantages and see how JSM stacks up against Cherwell.

Unified Platform vs. Silos? Collaboration Makes the Dream Work

Cherwell can leave your data scattered across isolated islands, hindering communication and collaboration between development, IT, and business teams. JSM, on the other hand, fosters a collaborative environment with its unified platform. Imagine a central hub for all your service requests, incidents, and changes — that’s the power of JSM. With a single source of truth, information flows freely, teams work together seamlessly, and communication roadblocks become a thing of the past.

Federated Data Model: Keeping Your Data Happy (and Accessible)

JSM understands that you likely have existing data structures in place. Its innovative federated data model lets you keep those structures while simultaneously providing a unified view of everything. This translates to happy data teams (no need for disruptive data migrations) and empowered teams across the organization with information at their fingertips.

ITIL: Your Way, Not the Highway

JSM recognizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to ITIL (a popular ITSM framework) doesn’t fly in today’s dynamic business landscape. It offers a flexible approach, allowing you to tailor ITIL to your specific needs and processes. Cherwell, on the other hand, leans towards a more rigid implementation, potentially forcing you to adapt your workflows to the software. With JSM, you’re in the driver’s seat, customizing ITIL to work for you.

Speedy Interface? Buckle Up!

JSM boasts an intuitive and user-friendly interface that’s a breeze to navigate. This translates to minimal setup time and training hassles for your teams. Cherwell’s interface, on the other hand, can be more complex, requiring a steeper learning curve. JSM gets your people up and running faster, so they can focus on what matters — delivering exceptional service.

Implementation on Warp Speed

Rolling out a new system can be a drag. JSM cuts through the red tape with a streamlined implementation process. This means faster deployment and quicker adoption across your teams, maximizing efficiency from day one. No more waiting around for clunky software to get up and running.

Unleash the Power of Rapid Time-to-Value

JSM understands that you want and need to see results, and fast. Its intuitive design and streamlined setup ensure that your organization can start reaping the benefits of service management quickly. This translates to a faster return on investment (ROI) compared to Cherwell, where longer deployment cycles can delay the value you see from the software. JSM gets you moving ahead, not waiting in the starting blocks.

JSM: The Evidence is Clear

But JSM’s advantages go beyond theory. A Total Economic Impact™ (TEI) Report conducted by the independent research firm Forrester Research provides compelling evidence of JSM’s real-world impact. Here are some key highlights from the report:

Impressive ROI: JSM delivers a staggering 277% return on investment (ROI) over three years.
Measurable Benefits: Organizations see significant improvements in customer satisfaction, increased service desk efficiency, and reduced costs, totaling $4.1 million in benefits over three years.
Cost Savings: JSM helps organizations achieve $2.1 million in savings by retiring their previous service management solution.
Improved Productivity: IT operations teams save a collective 115 hours per month, freeing them to focus on higher-value tasks.
Happier Customers: JSM translates to improved service desk productivity, leading to faster resolution times and happier customers – a benefit valued at $1.4 million.
Strong Net Present Value (NPV): With a net present value (NPV) of $3.08 million, JSM demonstrates a clear financial advantage for organizations.

These real-world results from the Forrester TEI Report solidify JSM’s position as the superior ITSM solution for businesses seeking high-velocity service delivery. JSM empowers your teams to collaborate seamlessly, leverage existing data structures, and achieve a significant return on investment – all while keeping your customers happy.

Partnering for High-Velocity Service with Oxalis

JSM’s powerful platform is just the first step on your journey to high-velocity service delivery. To unlock its full potential and achieve maximum impact, partnering with an experienced Atlassian expert is key.

Oxalis, a premium Atlassian Platinum Solutions Partner, brings a wealth of experience to the table. We specialize in designing, migrating, and implementing ITSM solutions for enterprise-scale organizations across diverse industries, including maritime/shipping, healthcare, U.S. public sector, and aerospace. Learn more about our Atlassian Services.

Our team of Atlassian-certified consultants understands the unique challenges faced by high-velocity, highly regulated environments. We go beyond just implementation, offering a comprehensive suite of services to maximize your JSM success:

Change Management: Ensure smooth adoption of JSM within your organization.
Knowledge Management: Create a centralized hub for service knowledge and best practices.
Training: Empower your teams to get the most out of JSM functionalities.

JSM: The Clear Choice for High-Velocity Service Excellence

In today’s fast-paced business environment, seamless collaboration and high-velocity service delivery are mission-critical. For organizations seeking an ITSM solution that empowers these goals, JSM stands out as the clear champion. Its unified platform shatters data silos, fostering collaboration across development, IT, and business teams. The user-friendly interface minimizes setup time and training needs, while the adaptable ITIL approach allows you to tailor the service management framework to your unique needs. Most importantly, JSM delivers a rapid time-to-value, ensuring you see a return on investment quickly. This, coupled with the compelling evidence from the Forrester TEI Report, solidifies JSM’s position as the ideal choice for driving service excellence at the speed of business.

The Power of GenAI: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility

The froth surrounding Generative AI (GenAI) tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, and Copilot is undeniable. These powerful large language models (LLMs) can create realistic text, translate languages, and even write different kinds of creative content. But for highly regulated industries — think shipping, healthcare, or government — the excitement comes with a healthy dose of caution.

California’s Executive Order N-12-23 provides a valuable framework for navigating this complex landscape. It acknowledges the immense potential of GenAI while emphasizing responsible use. The EO’s directives — procurement guidelines, high-risk use inventories, pilot project sandboxes, and government worker training — all point toward a measured approach.

California’s Executive Order N-12-23: Breaking Down the Directives & Their Implications

Let’s dive deeper into how the directives in the EO can translate into concrete actions within high-compliance industries.

Procurement Guidelines: These guidelines ensure responsible acquisition of GenAI tools. In healthcare, for instance, procurement guidelines could mandate that hospitals only acquire AI-powered medical diagnostics that are FDA-approved. This ensures adherence to patient safety regulations. Similarly, in the U.S. public sector, procurement guidelines could emphasize data security and privacy when acquiring AI for public service applications.

High-Risk Use Inventories: These inventories help identify situations where GenAI use poses significant risks. For example, a high-risk use inventory in the shipping industry might highlight autonomous ship navigation as a high-risk area. Extensive testing in pilot project sandboxes would be mandatory before real-world implementation. Similarly, in healthcare, high-risk use inventories might highlight AI for personalized drug dosages. Careful evaluation and sandbox testing would be crucial to ensure patient safety and efficacy.

Pilot Project Sandboxes: These sandboxes allow controlled experimentation with GenAI in low-risk environments. This allows regulated entities to test functionalities, identify potential issues, and refine their GenAI strategy. The U.S. public sector could use sandboxes to test AI-powered chatbots for citizen inquiries. This would allow for evaluation of effectiveness and identification of any potential biases before deploying the technology at scale.

Government Worker Training: Training government workers on responsible GenAI use is critical. This training could cover topics like bias detection in AI outputs, understanding limitations of GenAI, and legal and ethical considerations. In healthcare, for instance, training would equip healthcare workers to identify patient bias in AI-driven decisions. This ensures that medical professionals maintain a human-centric approach while leveraging the power of AI.

Challenges and Opportunities in a Regulated Landscape

Highly regulated industries share a common set of challenges when it comes to GenAI adoption. Let’s take a closer look:

Safety and Security: From ensuring safe maritime routes to protecting patient health data, safety is paramount. GenAI outputs must be thoroughly vetted to mitigate bias and ensure accuracy in critical decision-making.
Transparency and Explainability: Public trust is essential in government, healthcare, and other regulated sectors. GenAI models need to be transparent, allowing users to understand how they arrive at their outputs.
Compliance and Governance: Existing regulations need to be considered when deploying GenAI. Frameworks like NIST’s AI RMF provide guidance, and robust governance processes ensure responsible use within legal boundaries.

These challenges are outweighed by the immense opportunities GenAI offers:

Enhanced Efficiency: GenAI can automate routine tasks, freeing up human expertise for higher-level analysis and decision-making.
Improved Insights: GenAI can analyze vast amounts of data, uncovering hidden patterns and generating valuable insights across various sectors.
Innovation and Personalization: GenAI unlocks new possibilities for innovation, from personalized healthcare to more efficient government services.

By navigating the challenges and embracing the opportunities, highly regulated industries can leverage GenAI to achieve significant advancements. It’s here that leveraging a suite of solutions, like those built by Atlassian — a trusted company with guardrails in place — can help high-compliance industries adopt GenAI technology, use it to maximum advantage and, most importantly, use it responsibly and safely.

Unlocking the Potential of Generative AI in Regulated Industries:
A Cautious and Collaborative Approach

The opportunities presented by Generative AI (GenAI) are vast for highly regulated industries. From automating tasks to gleaning deeper insights from data, GenAI can revolutionize the way these sectors operate. However, responsible adoption is paramount; ensuring safety, transparency, and compliance requires a thoughtful and collaborative approach.

This is where Atlassian shines. Its suite of tools fosters seamless collaboration across teams, empowering organizations to navigate the GenAI landscape effectively. Let’s delve into the ways Atlassian equips you to harness the power of GenAI while prioritizing responsible use.

Keeping Teams Aligned: Collaboration is King

Atlassian products excel at fostering collaboration within and across teams of all sizes. This is crucial for managing GenAI effectively. Here’s how:

Confluence: Your Policy and Playbook Hub
Create and maintain clear guidelines for GenAI use and deployment within Confluence. This central repository offers easy access to policies, procedures, and playbooks, with version control ensuring everyone stays on the same page, even as best practices evolve.
Inventorying Use Cases with Jira Service Management
Leverage Jira Service Management’s asset management capabilities to track GenAI use cases. Score use cases based on pre-defined criteria using custom fields. Create tickets for follow-up and evaluation, ensuring each use case is thoroughly assessed.
Learning from the Field
Atlassian understands the importance of capturing insights from all stakeholders. The Jira Service Management customer portal allows you to collect usage data and feedback directly from those interacting with GenAI tools.

Pilot Projects & Sandboxes: Learning from Controlled Environments

Effective pilot projects and sandboxes require enterprise-wide visibility. Atlassian provides the tools to achieve this:

Atlas: Sharing Across Teams
Use Atlas for horizontal information sharing across departments. Disseminate pilot project goals, approaches, and outcomes, ensuring lessons learned translate into improved GenAI adoption.
Connecting Strategy to Execution
Align individual project goals with top-level strategic objectives using Jira Align. This fosters a unified approach to GenAI implementation across the organization.
Confluence: Capturing Knowledge, Sharing Success
Leverage Confluence to document pilot project learnings and disseminate final reports and outcomes. This centralized knowledge base helps future projects build upon past successes.

The Power of Built-In AI

Atlassian products themselves leverage AI, offering a familiar and trusted environment for GenAI exploration. The benefit? Built-in guardrails ensure responsible use.

From smart suggestions in Jira to AI-powered summaries in Confluence, Atlassian provides a range of AI features designed to augment human expertise. These tools operate within a framework of trust and safety, fostering responsible innovation.

Effective GenAI implementation goes beyond tools. Consider these additional elements:

Incident Management: Things will go wrong. Leverage Atlassian tools for incident management. JSM tickets, Confluence documentation, and Jira Align can be used to collaboratively develop incident response plans and track resolutions.
Prompt Repositories: Prompt development is crucial for GenAI success. Capture and store prompts in Confluence or Bitbucket, ensuring consistency and knowledge sharing across teams.
Governance & Risk Management: The California EO mandates leveraging frameworks like NIST’s AI RMF. JSM Assets helps manage risks, ensuring alignment with chosen frameworks and facilitating regular reviews with robust reporting.

The Future of GenAI: Responsibility is Key

GenAI presents a generational opportunity, but responsible adoption is key. Atlassian, alongside partners like Oxalis, can help you navigate this exciting landscape. Whether you require specific tools, a comprehensive governance framework, or assistance with change management, Oxalis can guide you from strategy to implementation. Following frameworks like California’s EO and leveraging solutions like Atlassian’s suite of products, as well as the experience and guidance of Oxalis, will enable responsible adoption, maximizing the potential of GenAI while safeguarding public trust.

Remember, the “gates are open,” but let’s walk through them thoughtfully, together.

The CISO’s Castle: Bolstering Security with Integrated Asset Management

In today’s ever-evolving threat landscape, CISOs face a constant siege — maintaining robust security postures while navigating a complex web of compliance requirements. A critical weapon in this ongoing battle is a unified system that seamlessly integrates asset management with IT service management (ITSM) practices.

The Fragmented Fortress: A Common Challenge

Many organizations find themselves struggling with a fragmented landscape of tools for asset management and ITSM. This often resembles a castle with separate towers, each manned by different teams with limited visibility into the bigger picture. This siloed approach leads to:

Incomplete asset inventory: A lack of a centralized view of all hardware, software, and cloud resources across the organization.
Security blind spots: Difficulty in tracking the security posture of each asset, making it challenging to identify and address vulnerabilities promptly.
Compliance headaches: Meeting regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and FISMA becomes an uphill battle due to the difficulty of generating comprehensive compliance reports.

Compliance Tightrope: A Balancing Act for CISOs

CISOs are constantly on a compliance tightrope, juggling a multitude of regulations that mandate strict data security controls and regular reporting on asset inventory and security posture. Failure to comply can result in hefty fines, reputational damage, and operational disruptions.

Jira Service Management: Unifying Your ITSM Castle

Jira Service Management (JSM) acts as the unifying bridge between your asset management and ITSM operations. Imagine transforming your fragmented castle into a centralized command center with JSM at its core. Here’s how JSM empowers CISOs:

Centralized Asset Data: Maintain a single source of truth for all asset information, providing complete visibility into your IT environment.
Automated Asset Discovery: Leverage automated discovery tools to continuously identify and register new assets within the network, ensuring your inventory remains up to date.
Enhanced Vulnerability Management: Integrate asset data with vulnerability scanning tools to prioritize and remediate security risks effectively.
Streamlined Compliance Reporting: Generate compliance reports with ease, demonstrating ongoing adherence to regulatory requirements.

Building Stronger Defenses with Oxalis

JSM’s capabilities are further amplified by partnering with Oxalis. Among the many things Oxalis offers is expertise in implementing and overlaying ITSM maturity models onto your JSM instance. This ensures your organization leverages JSM to its full potential, achieving enterprise-grade security and governance.

By combining JSM’s asset management features with Oxalis’ implementation and maturity model expertise, CISOs can:

Gain complete control over their IT environment.
Proactively address security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited.
Demonstrate continuous compliance with regulations.
Achieve enterprise-grade security and governance, fortifying your organization’s digital castle.

JSM and Oxalis, together, empower CISOs to move from reactive firefighting to proactive security leadership. With a unified system and a focus on continuous improvement, CISOs can ensure their organizations are well-equipped to face the ever-changing threat landscape and emerge victorious.

Take control: learn how JSM & Oxalis can fortify your security

The complexities of modern IT infrastructure demand a unified approach to security and compliance. In this blog, we explored the challenges CISOs face in a fragmented landscape, and how a centralized system integrating asset management and ITSM offers a powerful solution. Jira Service Management empowers CISOs with a central hub for asset data, automated discovery, vulnerability management, and streamlined compliance reporting.

However, maximizing JSM’s potential requires expert guidance. Partnering with Oxalis provides the expertise to implement and overlay ITSM maturity models on your JSM instance, ensuring you achieve enterprise-grade security and governance.

Ready to learn more about how JSM and Oxalis can transform your organization’s security posture? Download our white paper, “How Jira Service Management and Asset Management Meet Security & Compliance Requirements: A Guide for CISOs.” This comprehensive resource dives deeper into how JSM’s functionalities, coupled with Oxalis’ expertise, empower CISOs to build a robust defense against evolving threats.

How Jira Service Management Asset & Asset Management Meet Security & Compliance Requirements: A Guide for CISOs

In this white paper, you’ll discover:

A detailed breakdown of JSM’s asset management capabilities.
Strategies for integrating asset data with vulnerability scanning tools.
Practical steps for generating comprehensive compliance reports.
How Oxalis’ ITSM maturity model expertise optimizes JSM for maximum security benefit.

Take control of your IT environment and empower your security leadership. Download the white paper today!

Charting Your Course: Expert Tips for Migrating from Cherwell to JSM

With Ivanti’s announcement in October 2023 that they would “End of Life” Cherwell Service Management in 2026, Cherwell users are asking themselves the question, “Now what?” There has been much uncertainty and concern about Cherwell’s future since it was acquired by Ivanti in 2021 and now, with those fears realized, these users must evaluate alternative solutions. Cherwell End of Life (EOL) won’t be reached for another two years, but large-scale ITSM migrations are complex and time-consuming; the time to move to a new solution is now.

Jira Service Management (JSM) — named a leader in the 2023 Forrester Wave™ for Enterprise Service Management and the Gartner Magic Quadrant™ for IT Service Management (ITSM) — is a flexible, powerful, cost-effective solution that is built for high-velocity teams. Unlike Ivanti’s Cherwell, which has an outdated user interface and a hard-to-navigate platform, Jira has a modern user interface, a built-in reporting engine, a large customer base and app ecosystem, end-to-end ITSM capabilities, and seamless, automatic upgrades.

With the support of an industry-leading firm like Oxalis — an Atlassian Platinum Solutions Partner — Jira Service Management makes the transition from Cherwell seamless and simple and gives those cast adrift by Cherwell just what they need: a home.

What Cherwell’s End of Life (EOL) means for customers.

Cherwell was acquired by Ivanti in 2021, and since then, Ivanti has focused on integrating its capabilities into their broader portfolio, fueling speculation about Cherwell’s future. Now, they will sunset the platform, forcing their customers to make a choice: move to Ivanti’s proprietary solution or migrate to something new.

Though Ivanti will continue to offer support, licenses, and minor updates, it’s important for Cherwell users to recognize that the version of the product they have now is the version they will have until EOL — there will be no new features or upgrades. Other platforms, on the other hand, will keep evolving. They’ll deliver new features and capabilities to keep up with the expanding needs of their customers. To continue delivering the best IT service, support, and management, businesses need something better. Transitioning to new ITSM software is no easy task. It requires planning, careful execution, change management, training and transition management, ongoing review, and more. Organizations should bear several things in mind as they plan for Cherwell’s End of Life and consider alternative IT Service Management platforms.

Transitioning from Cherwell: Best practices for migration.

When Oxalis helps clients migrate from another platform to Jira Service Management — our ITSM solution of choice — we advocate several best practices:

Assemble a transition team.

A cross-functional team should include relevant decision makers, specialists, and business leadership. This team will plan, manage, and lead the transition, so it’s imperative that you have all the right roles and delegate responsibilities clearly.

Consult with advisors.

The right experts can help with planning, guidance, hands-on support, and migration. Migrations like these are not simple A-to-B transitions. They are not risk-free — and they can be complex and challenging — so it is best to choose a solution provider, like Oxalis, who has deep expertise in ITSM solution design, migrations, and transition, so making the switch is easy.

Evaluate and choose an ITSM platform.

There are quite a few ITSM solutions available, each with their own pros and cons. Jira Service Management is Oxalis’ ITSM platform of choice. It is robust, it is flexible, and infinitely scalable. And it’s also — relative to other offerings — affordable. Put simply, we think it is the best Cherwell alternative and it provides the easiest transition for Cherwell users.

Make a plan.

Moving from one ITSM tool to another might seem like an apples-to-apples switch that should be an easy swap, but even the simplest transitions can take many months to be done right. Without the proper execution and guidance, they can be challenging and error prone. Starting early is critical to avoiding unforeseen obstacles and the occasional, inevitable speed bumps that will arise along the way.

Involve ALL stakeholders.

Changing systems impacts almost everyone — not just the IT support team. Many categories of supported users, system owners, senior management, business intelligence groups, security, and more will be affected by the transition; representatives from each group should be involved in the planning and decision-making process.

Take advantage of the opportunity.

Don’t copy bad habits. Migrations such as these aren’t simply a matter of moving data and workflows from one platform to another — you also need to avoid replicating mistakes and bad habits in the new platform. Don’t simply make a 1:1 switch; look to improve your overall execution. Let’s say you weren’t using Asset Management. Use the change as an opportunity to improve your information technology infrastructure library (ITIL) maturity. Consultancies, such as Oxalis, can help evaluate and plan your roadmap and perform extensive analyses to ensure mistakes are not duplicated in the new implementation.

Test, test, test.

Imagine flipping the switch on your entire IT service operation — exciting, right? But before the celebratory high fives, there’s a critical step: thorough testing and quality assurance (QA). Just like a test flight ensures a smooth landing, migrating to a new ITSM platform requires rigorous testing to iron out any wrinkles. This isn’t just about avoiding early hiccups — it’s about safeguarding the user experience, guaranteeing data integrity, and ensuring your team can seamlessly transition without disrupting critical workflows. By investing in robust testing and QA, you’ll land your migration smoothly and be ready to soar with your new platform’s full potential.

Why change management makes migration magic.

A successful ITSM migration isn’t just about flawless data transfer; it’s about winning over your team. Imagine a shiny new platform landing with a thud because your users feel lost in navigation or struggle to complete familiar tasks. Change management and comprehensive training bridge this gap. By actively communicating the “why” and “how” of the move, addressing concerns, and providing thorough training tailored to different user roles, you’ll empower your team to embrace the new platform. This not only fosters user adoption but also ensures a smooth transition, minimizing disruptions and maximizing the positive impact of your migration. A well-trained and engaged team is the secret weapon to unlocking the full potential of your new ITSM platform, leading to a more efficient and ultimately, a happier workforce.

The power of iteration.

Migrating to a new ITSM platform is a marathon, not a sprint. The finish line isn’t the cutover — it’s the ongoing optimization you achieve through continuous learning and iteration. Don’t get us wrong, a smooth transition is crucial, but the real magic happens afterward. By embracing an iterative approach, you can analyze user feedback, identify areas for improvement, and fine-tune your workflows to unlock the platform’s full potential. Think of it as building a muscle — the initial migration lays the foundation, but ongoing use and refinement make it truly powerful. This iterative mindset ensures your ITSM platform grows alongside your organization’s needs, keeping you ahead of the curve and delivering a consistently exceptional service experience.

Why Jira Service Management?

The answer to “why Jira Service Management?” can be distilled down to three words: Modern. Complete. Flexible. JSM boasts a user-friendly interface, which means your development, IT, and business teams can finally collaborate seamlessly. Plus, JSM’s flexibility lets you customize workflows to fit your specific needs. The result? Smoother service delivery at high velocity — a win for both your teams and your customers.

Modern.

Jira Service Management (JSM) stands out as a modern platform designed for the evolving needs of today’s organizations. Leveraging the power of the cloud, JSM offers a reliable, all-in-one solution that scales seamlessly alongside your business. Gone are the days of cumbersome installations and outdated features; JSM boasts a user-friendly interface that fosters intuitive navigation, minimizing the learning curve for your team. Furthermore, automatic updates ensure you always have access to the latest features and AI-powered functionalities, keeping your service desk at the forefront of innovation. Atlassian’s commitment to continuous improvement empowers JSM to deliver an exceptional user experience while optimizing your service delivery processes.

Complete.

Jira Service Management (JSM) isn’t just a ticketing system — it’s a complete ITSM powerhouse. Need to track and manage your IT assets? JSM has you covered. Worried about knowledge silos? JSM’s built-in knowledge base empowers you to create a central hub for self-service solutions. And when incidents arise, JSM’s robust incident management features keep your team on top of things. But JSM doesn’t stop there. From the help desk technicians tackling everyday requests to C-Suite executives monitoring performance through data-rich dashboards, JSM caters to all stakeholders, ensuring everyone has the tools they need for success.

Flexible.

Effortlessly scalable, Jira Service Management empowers HR, finance, legal, marketing, facilities, and beyond with its flexible service management approach; its user-friendly interface makes it easy for any team to jump in. And it works for more than just ITSM. Jira Service Management is a powerful tool for managing plants, property, and equipment (PP&E) and Enterprise Service Management (ESM), too. Plus, with customizable templates and a massive marketplace — integrations include Atlassian products, such as Confluence, Bitbucket, and Trello, as well as third-party applications such as Slack, GitHub, and Zendesk — overflowing with add-ons, you can tailor JSM to your specific needs. Whether it’s building a custom service desk from scratch or integrating existing tools, JSM empowers every team to streamline their processes and deliver exceptional service.

Planning for a post-Cherwell era.

Oxalis is an experienced, expert provider of Jira migrations and implementations, as well as ITSM and ITIL service design, offering premium consulting and custom solutions for industries that address real-world challenges. We are an Atlassian Platinum Solutions Partner and have deep knowledge of their suite of products and solutions. We have a proven track record of successful, large-scale Jira migrations — always delivered on time and on budget.

Oxalis are not just your advisors; we are your partners, guides, and technical support staff. Our team of experts can help guide your migration and ensure a smooth transition to your new ITSM platform, so you can take full advantage of the benefits Jira Service Management has to offer. Don’t wait. Contact Oxalis today to start planning your transition from Cherwell. Oxalis will listen. We will take the time to learn about and understand your needs, and we will guide you every step of the way. Don’t get left behind by Cherwell; make a new home with Oxalis and Jira Service Management.

Accelerate Progress: Celebrating Women in the Technology Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of technology, women are not just participants: they are architects of change, breaking barriers and reshaping the narrative of an industry traditionally dominated by men. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Oxalis is taking a moment to applaud the significant strides women have made in technology and to recognize the power and potential they bring to the forefront.

From coding to engineering, from data science to cybersecurity, women are excelling in diverse roles and making significant contributions to the advancement of technology. Moreover, women in technology are not simply paving the way for themselves; they are inspiring future generations. What’s truly inspiring is the resilience and power demonstrated by women in the face of longstanding challenges.

The future is bright, with women continuing to make significant strides in technology. By breaking down barriers, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and equitable industry. This International Women’s Day and special month, let’s not only celebrate how far we’ve come but also commit to supporting and empowering women in technology as they continue to shape the future of innovation.

Oxalis: Forging a Gender-Equal Future in IT

Here at Oxalis, we take immense pride in our dedicated team of women who have consistently contributed their expertise and passion over the years, and who have been instrumental in our growth and success.

Here’s what some of our team members had to say:

“I’m proud that the culture that we’re building at Oxalis supports and values the contributions of women. As a member of the leadership team, I know that we set the tone for the company. We want women to feel appreciated, heard, and trusted, and we will always do our best to help foster that culture.” — Mindi Orth – Director of Operations

“From being an intern to now, at Oxalis I’ve always felt very supported by all my managers. They’ve encouraged me to explore my interests and given me opportunities to grow to find where I best fit. I don’t think I could’ve found a better company to support me in the start of my career.” — Sana Dadi – Business Operations Administrator

“At Oxalis, I’ve found something different. It’s a place where ALL opinions are heard and valued. It’s a company that celebrates differences and the contributions of women, because our leadership, and everyone who works here, knows that we are better — as a business and as people — when we all have a voice and when we all matter.” — Melissa Case, Head of Marketing
“I feel truly proud of the women at Oxalis. It is exciting to be part of a multicultural team where every opinion is heard, and you can feel open to contribute.” — Blanca Vázquez, Marketing Specialist
“I am very proud of the impact you can make with Oxalis, both internally and externally. I love walking away from a project closure knowing we have improved the lives of our customers in some way. This success is further celebrated internally when we share common practices and continue the progress on future efforts as a delivery team.” — Mary Sullivan, Consultant
” I love having a team of people who are enthusiastically collaborative, happy to help, and who consistently drive you to be your best. Even though we are all fully remote, I don’t feel distant from my team since they are so welcoming, personable, and ready to hop on a call quick to tackle work. Plus we are constantly sharing cute pet photos, and who doesn’t love that.” — Jamie Biesinger, Sr. Solutions Consultant

Emelinda Daly, a Technical Specialist who joined Oxalis in 2016, has contributed in innumerable ways, not the least of which is conducting initial and ongoing configurations for all Oxalis Ship Repair Service (OSRS) Jira environments. Her involvement began with the initial requirement gathering for Vigor Industrial—a shipyard in the Pacific Northwest—leading to the implementation of Jira and their adoption of Oxalis Advanced Estimation.

Emy also played a key role in creating the integration with the Navy Maintenance Database, a significant selling point for OSRS. Furthermore, Emelinda serves as a systems administrator for our OSRS environments on AWS, Windows, and Azure. She also functions as a systems administrator and technical specialist for Atlassian cloud migrations, including the first major migration for Cambia!

This International Women’s Day let’s not just celebrate how far we’ve come, but commit to supporting, empowering, and investing in women in technology as they continue to shape the future of innovation.

Want to join a team of professionals dedicated to excellence, where the successes of all are celebrated? Oxalis is growing—get in touch today!