Preview: IBM WebSphere MQ Everyplace Adds More Programming Options

At a Glance

Reliable, assured communications in an unpredictable world enables you to :

• Extend an MQ network to new platforms and devices
• Exploit the WebSphere MQIntegrator by routing transactions from stores and checkouts into the Integrator
• Get the benefits of assured once-only delivery, with rock-solid security, over fragile and unmanaged communication networks
• Integrate a mobile workforce into key business processes by exploiting the latest devices, and protocols
• Provide Internet users with safe access to the corporate messaging network
• Use WebSphere MQ Everyplace to provide "earliest possible" delivery of key business data
• Reduce running costs by holding messages for batch delivery and using compression features to reduce transmission costs
• Respond to events in the field, making your business more agile and flexible

Overview

WebSphere^® MQ Everyplace™, V2 extends to the WebSphere MQ family the infrastructure for connecting servers and mainframes in e-business solutions to mobile platforms and devices and retail systems.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace complements the WebSphere MQ base with robust messaging capability on small and mobile devices. Also, it provides a direct link to WebSphere MQIntegrator^® and enables e-business messaging for the WebSphere Everyplace product set.

This release provides native support for PocketPC to extend the programming choice in the handheld market. It also enhances the established Java™ offering by including support for the Java Message Service (JMS).

WebSphere MQ Everyplace:

• Brings all the benefits of WebSphere MQ to the fast-growing worlds of mobile messaging systems and mobile computing
• Supports fragile networks by supporting messaging over satellite, radio links, and phone lines
• Can save call costs with highly compact messages with no redundant data
• Enables comprehensive security solutions with encryption, authentication, and non-repudiation
• Runs on more platforms with its Java base and now supports JMS
• Supports C and Java on Windows^® Pocket PC platforms
• With a small footprint and J2ME support, allows WebSphere MQ Everyplace to run on more platforms
• Exploits direct connection to MQIntegrator and publish/subscribe

WebSphere MQ Everyplace, V2 now offers programming options by supporting point-to-point messaging via the JMS, and also extends Java programming to smaller devices that can run Java Micro Edition (J2ME).

A native C implementation is available on Windows Pocket PC, including Compaq iPAQ support. Other support for C is also available.

Other additions include scalability, accessibility, and administration improvements.

New platforms, including Windows XP, are fully supported.

Key Prerequisites

Hardware capable of running the appropriate operating system and Java Environment (where required) as specified in the Software Requirements section.

Planned Availability

• WebSphere MQ Everyplace, V2: September 2002 (Electronic Download)
• WebSphere MQ Everyplace, V2: October 2002 (Media)

Previews provide insight into IBM plans and direction. Prices, ordering information, and terms and conditions will be provided when the product is announced.

Description

WebSphere MQ Everyplace

WebSphere MQ Everyplace is a messaging and queuing product that builds on the concepts of other WebSphere MQ products, but provides function particularly suited to mobile devices and wireless connection where:

• Devices require the messaging subsystem to be frugal in its use of system resources
• You need to have a reliable, secure connection even when the communications coverage is unreliable

WebSphere MQ Everyplace:

• Provides an assured messaging infrastructure where small footprint and optimized communication protocols are required
• Minimizes the costs of set-up and administration, making it suitable for unmanaged networks
• Offers tailored function and interfaces appropriate to its customer set, such as synchronous and asynchronous messaging support, local and remote queue access, direct and indirect routing, rock-solid security, and extensive customization capabilities
• Provides cross-platform compatibility, and function extensibility
• Is suitable for use over public networks and for access through firewalls
• Includes support for some platforms not supported by MQ servers

Benefits of Using WebSphere MQ Everyplace: WebSphere MQ Everyplace extends e-business to mobile users:

• Business users can process high-value transactions away from their desks because of assured message delivery.
• Existing systems can be integrated into e-business solutions via the gateway to MQSeries^® networks and the MQSeries Integrator.
• Critical applications work reliably even over unreliable mobile networks using WebSphere MQ Everyplace messages.
• Users can choose their own personal workstation platform thanks to the wide variety of platforms supported, such as EPOC32, PalmOS, and Windows platforms.
• Applications can provide immediate server or mainframe interaction when a link is available, and queued use when it is not. This link can be either a wireless link, or a low-cost telephone link.
• Users can make cost-effective use of radio networks by using the built-in intelligent data compression and link policies.
• Networks can include small, low-cost devices for remote sensing.
• Up-to-the-minute information, such as latest stock prices, is provided by automatic transmission from central servers.
• Transactions can be captured from retail checkouts and sent as required via the 4690 to host systems or the MQSeries Integrator. Assured message delivery and exploitation of the 4690 mirrored file system can provide reliability and security.
• Programmers can choose simple setup options for security, and communications can easily work through firewalls using HTTP protocol.
• Messaging systems can be designed with a minimum of set-up and maintenance.
• Users can keep in touch with each other directly using device-to-device communication over the Internet.
• Users can connect to a convenient local gateway, and use different devices at different times according to their needs.
• Mobile workers can receive important schedule updates, or send new data, even when they are working in an environment where radio coverage is intermittent.
• Field workers can have direct access to back-end systems using a combination of WebSphere MQ Everyplace with other MQSeries products. For example, they can use the publish/subscribe function in MQSeries Integrator to subscribe to important information that can be sent directly to their mobile device.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace is a member of the IBM Pervasive Computing family, which includes the WebSphere Everyplace Suite.

MQSeries and WebSphere MQ Everyplace both have the advantages of:

• Assured delivery
• Disconnected operation
• Cross-platform support

WebSphere MQ Everyplace adds further features necessary to allow users to continue to work and access important data while away from their normal working or home environment.

Using the latest mobile devices, businesses that reach customers and workers directly in their homes or while on the road have a considerable advantage in the marketplace. With WebSphere MQ Everyplace, the MQSeries family now allows business users to:

• Extend operations into the mobile environment
• Expand business model opportunities for sales and customer service

New Features in WebSphere MQ Everyplace, V2.0

JMS Support: The JMS API, developed by Sun working in close cooperation with IBM and other leading enterprise messaging vendors, is an integral part of the J2EE platform.

By combining Java technology with enterprise messaging, the JMS API provides a new, powerful tool for solving enterprise computing problems, and is now extended to smaller devices and mobile platforms.

The JMS API improves programmer productivity by defining a common set of messaging concepts and programming strategies supported by a number of independent vendors, including IBM for both WebSphere MQ and WebSphere MQ Everyplace.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace now gives developers a subset of JMS appropriate to devices that include point-to-point support but not publish/subscribe support. Nevertheless, WebSphere MQ Everyplace devices can participate in publish and subscribe as clients.

JMS has five message formats, all of which are extensions of the base message class:

• BytesMessage
• MapMessage
• ObjectMessage
• StreamMessage
• TextMessage

They differ in the way the message data is created and accessed:

• BytesMessage — Data is a stream of bytes. It is up to the application to understand the format of the message. Methods such as readBytes(), readInt(), readShort(), are available to access the data. It is recommended that this be used only for existing (non-JMS) message formats. Other message types should be used if possible.
• TextMessage — Data is a string.
• ObjectMessage — Data is a Java object that can be serialized.

The following two types are not implemented in this release:

• MapMessage — Data is name-value pairs, where the names are strings and the values are Java primitive types. The data items can be accessed by name.
• StreamMessage — Data is a stream of Java primitive types accessed sequentially.

JMX (Java Management Extensions) Support: Java Management Extensions (JMX) are an open technology for system management. This new standard is suitable for adapting legacy systems and implementing new management solutions.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace, V2 now supports JMX to simplify administration and provide an interface for vendor software.

J2ME Support: Recognizing that "one size doesn't fit all," Java technology is regrouped into three editions:

• Micro (J2ME technology)
• Standard (J2SE technology)
• Enterprise (J2EE technology)

Each edition has tools and supplies that can be used with particular products, including Java virtual machines that fit inside the devices and a library of APIs specialized for each type of device.

J2ME technology specifically addresses the consumer space, which covers the range of extremely tiny commodities such as smart cards or a pager up to the small PDA. Nevertheless, the J2ME platform maintains the essential qualities of the other platforms.

A subset WebSphere MQ Everyplace has been selected to run on J2ME. Only non-essential function has been removed. This function has been selected to run on the VisualAge^® Micro Edition JVM with a medium class library.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace now has compliance with Sun specification for small JVMs.

Native C Implementation on Windows Pocket PC Platforms: Although Java remains the principal route to WebSphere MQ Everyplace function, IBM recognizes that Windows developers may prefer to program in C.

A comprehensive C implementation is now available for the Pocket PC platform. Some security options are limited in this version.

Security: WebSphere MQ Everyplace provides extensive security capabilities. Security embraces authentication, encryption, and compression:

• Authentication to control access
• Compression to reduce resource requirements (for transmission and storage)
• Encryption to protect the contents when the object is transmitted

In this way, access to message content can be selectively secured and the data can be protected, for example, on backing storage (not available in Palm Native Client.)

Encryption methods available include MARS, DES, triple DES, RC4, and RC6. These can offer up to 128-bit security where permitted, and are available in both editions of the product.

Platform Support: Platform support is enhanced by the addition of support for:

• Microsoft™ Windows XP
• Compaq iPAQ support

Other Enhancements

• Full client queue manager function.
• Scalability and quality improvements.
• Channel improvements.
• Full remote support.
• Improved accessibility and codepage support.
• WebSphere MQ Everyplace debug is enhanced with new trace facilities.

WebSphere MQ Everyplace Positioning in the WebSphere MQ Family: WebSphere MQ and MQ Everyplace are complementary offerings within the WebSphere MQ base messaging family.

• WebSphere MQ has established an impressive customer base and has a wide spectrum of capabilities.
• WebSphere MQ Everyplace:
  • Extends the capabilities and adds to the value of base messaging solutions
  • Provides functions essential for the growing pervasive environment (such as high security, optimized datastreams for fragile communication, connectivity of a wide range of pervasive devices)

WebSphere MQ Everyplace is the ideal way to provide MQ base messaging in the communications-hostile world of mobile devices.

Business Integration

The WebSphere platform for e-business includes business integration products and solutions that can help integrate just two applications, a single department, or the entire enterprise; reaching across business channels, trading partners, and Web customers. The WebSphere platform for e-business includes information connectivity and integration products, which can be combined selectively or built up, one upon the other, to provide more powerful and efficient integration, including:

• WebSphere MQ, the core of the MQSeries family, integrates over 35 platforms. Providing the base messaging functions for servers and clients, and assuring once only message delivery, it can be used alone or with other members of the family.
• WebSphere MQ Everyplace brings the benefits of assured message delivery and rock-solid security to the failure-prone environment of mobile working.
• WebSphere MQIntegrator (formerly MQSeries Integrator) — a powerful information broker, includes a one-to-many connectivity model plus transformation, intelligent routing, and information flow modelling across multiple, disparate business systems. Also supports publications and subscriptions including mobile clients, and remote telemetry devices.
• MQSeries Workflow — a business process management system, enables the definition, execution, and swift change of complete business processes that span systems, applications, and people.
• WebSphere MQ Adapter Offering — provides the framework and tools to build and customize MQ adapters for existing and new, prepackaged or custom-developed applications.

In addition, IBM has further products to support business integration, such as its WebSphere Adapters (including many additional CrossWorlds Adapters) and WebSphere Business Integrator.

A Summary by Platform

• Whether installation is by an installer or file transfer
• Whether support is direct or obtained via other platforms
• Whether the bridge to other MQ family products is available

.----------------------+-------+---------------+-------.
| Server               |Install|  Java Support |Bridge |
| Platforms            |-------+-------+-------|use    |
|                      |Direct |Accept |       |avail- |
|                      |from CD|problem| JMS   |able?  |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| AIX (R) V4.3.3 or 5.1| Yes   | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Sun 7 or 8           | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Windows NT (R) 2000, | Yes   | Yes(1)| Yes   | Yes   |
|  XP (32-bit)         |       |       |       |       |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Windows 98, Me       | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Linux on Intel (R)   | Yes(2)| Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
| Kernel 2.2, 2.4      |       |       |       |       |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Linux on zSeries,    | No    | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
| on Kernel 2.4        |       |       |       |       |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| HP-UX 11             | Yes(2)| Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| iSeries V4R5         | No    | Yes   | Yes   | Yes   |
|  or V5R1             |       |       |       |       |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| 4690 Operating       | No    | Yes   | Yes   | No    |
|  System (3)          |       |       |       |       |
|----------------------+-------+-------+-------+-------|
| Notes:                                               |
| 1. C wrapper on Java bindings also available.        |
| 2. Installation via ZIP file, not an installer.      |
| 3. Can run on SurePOS (TM) hardware.                 |
|    Retail license required.                          |
'------------------------------------------------------'

If direct installation is not available, installation is via file transfer.

Device Support in Java

You may have to provide a device or test environment to enable IBM to provide service on certain devices. This could extend normal IBM service response times.

.------------------+-------+---------------.
| Java support for |Install| Java Support  |
| device platforms |-------+-------+-------|
|                  |Direct |Accept |       |
|                  |from CD|problem| JMS   |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| EPOC 32          | No    | Yes   | Yes   |
|                  |       |       |       |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| Symbian 32 bit   | No    | Yes   | Yes   |
|   Release 6.1    |       |       |       |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| QNX Neutrino     | No    | No    | No    |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| WinCE 2.1        | No    | Yes(1)| Yes   |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| Pocket PC 2000   | No    | Yes(2)| Yes   |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| Pocket PC 2002   | No    | Yes(2)| Yes   |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| PalmOS, V3.5.3   | No    | Yes(3)| Yes   |
|   or V4.1        |       |       |       |
|------------------+-------+-------+-------|
| Notes:                                   |
| 1. ARM, SH3, MIPS processor models.      |
| 2. ARM processor models only.            |
| 3. Java available via J2ME.              |
'------------------------------------------'

C Platforms

Palm Native Client: Palm Operating System V3.5.3 of V4.1 (limited function)

V2.0 Native C support (not Palm): Pocket PC 2000 or 2002 operating System running on ARM processor

Programming Environment for C

• Palm Native Client

  Code Warrior release 6 containing the IDE for PalmOS and C/C++ compiler (Palm only)

• C native support (not Palm): Microsoft Embedded Visual Tools V3

Note: Application development is limited to platforms supported by the application development tools used; however, deployment for prototyping and testing can be on any permitted platform.

Device Support in C

You may have to provide a device or test environment to enable IBM to provide service on certain devices. This could extend normal IBM service response times.

.------------------------------------+-------.
| Native C support                   |Accept |
| on device platform                 |problem|
|------------------------------------+-------|
| Symbian 32 bit                     | No    |
|   Release 6.1                      |       |
|------------------------------------+-------|
| QNX Neutrino                       | No    |
|------------------------------------+-------|
| WinCE 2.1                          | No    |
|------------------------------------+-------|
| Pocket PC 2000                     | Yes(1)|
|------------------------------------+-------|
| Pocket PC 2002                     | Yes   |
|------------------------------------+-------|
| PalmOS, V3.5.3                     | Yes(2)|
|   or V4.1 (2)                      |       |
|------------------------------------+-------|
| Notes:                                     |
| 1. ARM processor models only.              |
| 2. Palm 5x, WorkPad (RM) C3,               |
|    or equivalent hardware.                 |
|    Subset of function. Note that this      |
|    C support is not the same as that       |
|    on the Pocket PC.                       |
'--------------------------------------------'

Refer to WebSphere MQ Everyplace Web pages and newsgroups for further information.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

WebSphere MQ technology is available to qualified OEMs for product integration via the IBM OEM organization. Prospective OEMs can discuss details of the arrangement by contacting the IBM OEM Worldwide Software Sales team at:

ibmoemsw@austin.ibm.com

Customer Financing

IBM Global Financing offers attractive financing to credit-qualified commercial and government Customers and Business Partners to assist them in acquiring IT solutions. Offerings, rates, terms, and availability can vary by country. Contact your local IBM Global Financing organization or visit the web at:

http://www.ibm.com/financing

Use the "Select a Country" Menu, to find a contact in your location (or country).

Product Positioning

WebSphere MQ and MQ Everyplace are complementary offerings within the MQSeries base messaging family.

• MQ has established an impressive customer base and has a wide spectrum of capabilities.
• WebSphere MQ Everyplace:
  • Extends the capabilities and adds to the value of base messaging solutions
  • Provides functions essential for the growing pervasive environment (such as high security, optimized datastreams for fragile communication, connectivity of a wide range of pervasive devices)

Positioning of WebSphere MQ Everyplace and WebSphere MQ

• Common features:
  • Assured message delivery
  • Transactional get/put capabilities
  • Capability to run applications even when disconnected
  • Message interchange (via MQ Everyplace Bridge)
  • Multiplatform/device support
  • Integration of legacy systems into e-business solutions (via Bridge for WebSphere MQ Everyplace)
  • Capability to connect to other WebSphere MQ family members (including direct connection to WebSphere MQIntegrator) to allow e-business integration.
• Differences:

  WebSphere MQ Everyplace has additional features not in WebSphere MQ base messaging, such as:

  • Object-based messages that include function and data
  • Synchronous and asynchronous messaging
  • Access to remote and local queues
  • Automatic channels
  • Indirect and direct routing with protocol changes
  • Ability to pull and push messages
  • Support for unreliable wireless connections
  • Capability to minimize data stream length
  • Built-in security features including authentication, encryption, and compression (limited on Palm)
  • Mobile device support for data exchange without a messaging server
  • Support for dial-up and mobile use
  • Support for smaller platforms
  • Java classes that can be revised to add or change functionality
  • Rule-based operations
  • Pluggable communications support (including HTTP, UDP, and TCP/IP)
  • Ability to map queues individually to backing stores (for example, memory, file system, or database)
  • Small footprint

WebSphere MQ Everyplace does not have certain MQ features and functions, such as:

• WebSphere MQ range of programming languages, protocols, adaptor connectors
• WebSphere MQ MQI, AMI, JMS support
• XA coordination, units of work, two-phase commit, recovery logs
• Clustering/load balancing, Workflow Agent
• Segmented messages, reference messages, name lists
• Capability to communicate directly with all other platforms (without using the WebSphere MQ Everyplace Bridge or the WebSphere MQIntegrator node)

Refer to Software Announcements 202-075 and 202-074 , dated April 9, 2002, for additional information on other WebSphere MQ announcements.

Refer to the WebSphere MQ Everyplace information at:

http://www.ibm.com/software/mqseries/everyplace

Trademarks

 

zSeries and iSeries are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

 

Everyplace and SurePOS are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.

 

WebSphere, MQIntegrator, MQSeries, VisualAge, AIX, and WorkPad are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.

 

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

 

Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

 

Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

 

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

 

Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.

Planning Information

Software Requirements

Java™ Platforms

Platforms on Which WebSphere^® MQ Everyplace™ Can Be Directly Installed: Direct installation takes place prior to application development.

These platforms are supported by service.

• AIX^® V4.3.3, V5.1
• Microsoft™ Windows^® XP
• Microsoft Windows 2000
• Microsoft Windows NT^® V4.0
• Microsoft Windows 98, and Millenium Edition (Me)
• Sun Solaris 7 or 8

Platforms Supported by Service, but Without Direct Installers

• IBM iSeries V4R5 or V5R1
• HP-UX V11.0 or V11.i
• Linux distributions running Kernel 2.2 or 2.4 on Intel^® platforms
• Linux distributions running Kernel 2.4 on IBM zSeries

Java Environment for Running WebSphere MQ Everyplace for Multiplatforms, V2.0

One of:

• IBM Java runtime environment (JRE) or IBM Java development kit (JDK) (V1.1.8, or later)
• Microsoft Java Virtual Machine V5.0.3155, or later
• Any Java runtime V1.1, or later, that is Java compatible (earlier Java versions may no longer be supported).
• Java 2 Micro Edition (J2ME) that supports CLDC/MIDP or CDC/Foundation:
  • IBM J2ME runtime environment (WebSphere Studio Micro Edition)
  • Other "Java-powered" (comparable to Java-compatible) runtimes

Plus (for WebSphere MQ Everyplace Bridge operation):

Any Java environment that supports the WebSphere MQ Java client.

For details on IBM Developer Kits, refer to:

http://www.ibm.com/developerworks/java

The MQ Bridge provides connectivity to other WebSphere MQ products.

A C wrapper is also available for programming on Windows server platforms. This is not the same as the Native C support for Pocket PC.

Programming Environment for Java

Any Java V1.1 development environment which allows application development for the supported Java runtimes described.

Note: Application development is limited to platforms supported by the application development tools used; however, deployment for prototyping and testing can be on any permitted platform.

Ordering Information

Pricing and ordering information will be announced before general availability.

Trademarks

 

zSeries and iSeries are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation.

 

Everyplace and e-business logo are trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.

 

WebSphere and AIX are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation in the United States or other countries or both.

 

Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

 

Microsoft is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

 

Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

 

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc.

 

Other company, product, and service names may be trademarks or service marks of others.