WebSphere Application Server (WAS) is a software product developed by IBM.
It serves as a Java EE (Java Platform, Enterprise Edition) application server, providing a platform for building, deploying, and managing enterprise-level applications and services.
Features of WebSphere Application Server:
1. Java EE Support: Offers full support for Java EE standards, allowing developers to create scalable, reliable, and secure applications.
2. Middleware Services: Provides middleware to connect applications, handle transactions, and manage application resources.
3. Scalability: Designed to handle enterprise-grade workloads, enabling applications to scale horizontally and vertically.
4. Security: Includes robust security features, such as authentication, authorization, and encryption, to protect applications and data.
5. Clustering and Load Balancing: Offers features to distribute workloads across multiple servers for improved reliability and performance.
6. Integration Capabilities: Supports integration with other IBM tools and third-party applications, such as databases and messaging services.
7. Cloud Support: Modern versions of WAS support hybrid and cloud deployments, aligning with modern enterprise needs.
Common Uses:
• Hosting Java-based web applications and APIs.
• Running enterprise applications like ERP, CRM, or supply chain systems.
• Building and deploying microservices in a cloud-native architecture.
• Providing backend services for web and mobile applications.
Variants of WebSphere:
1. WebSphere Application Server (Base): The standard edition for smaller deployments.
2. WebSphere ND (Network Deployment): Designed for larger, clustered environments requiring high availability and load balancing.
3. Liberty Profile (WebSphere Liberty): A lightweight and fast runtime optimized for modern cloud and containerized environments.
It’s widely used in industries like banking, retail, telecommunications, and healthcare due to its reliability and ability to manage complex enterprise needs.