WebSphere Application Server Community Edition

Built on the current best-of-breed open source technology from the Apache Software Foundation, including:

• Apache Geronimo V2.1.4.

• Apache OpenEJB V3.0.1.

• Apache Tomcat V6.0.20.

Open standards based Application Server

• Easy to use and robust Java(TM) EE 5 programming model improves developer productivity.

• Supports the Java Developer Kit 5 (JDK) from IBM and Sun.

• Supports the Java Developer Kit 6 (JDK) from IBM on Windows/Linux x86-32.

Eclipse based development environment

• Tooling to enable you to take advantage of the Eclipse technology-based Web tools platform to provide a simple development environment for creating, deploying and debugging your WebSphere Application Server Community Edition applications.

Database support

• The embedded Apache Derby database provides a robust, small-footprint database server with full transactional capability.

• If external database access is necessary, WebSphere Application Server Community Edition also provides driver support for IBM DB2, IBM Informix, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, and MySQL.

Clustering support

• WADI can now be used to support clustering of web applications which use the Tomcat Web Container.

Modular and customizable application server
Custom Assemblies: Create custom assembled servers containing only the server components required by your applications.

Runtime Customization: Benefit from the ability to tailor the application server to your needs and to improve performance while saving on system resources. You can selectively enable and disable specific components at runtime to improve efficiency.

User management: Features centralized user management to support systems administration and deployed applications, unifying all applications running on the platform under a shared, standards-based security framework based on Java Authorization Contract for Containers (JACC). This capability virtually eliminates the complexity of setting up and maintaining separate user-management systems for your applications. It also supports Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) authentication against directory servers.

Modular and capable administrative console

• Provides an interactive web GUI interface to deploy, configure and manage applications, the server and related resources.

• Monitors status and performance statistics for multiple servers and graphically displays data for easy analysis.

• Interactive deployment plan wizard guides you though the application deployment process and automatically generates appropriate application deployment plan.

GShell command line process environment

• Provides administrative command editing, command history, and tab completion capabilities, which enables the automation of application and server configuration and management. This capability can improve developer and administrator productivity through the development, test and production cycle.

Migration aids

• Migration aids for Apache Geronimo, Apache Tomcat, and additional Open Source Application Servers are available.

Liberal product license

• Easy download for use in development, testing, and production. You can make unlimited copies of the software for internal use.

Get started quickly with frictionless access

• The small download footprint allows you to be nimble through your development, testing, and production cycles.

Access to the latest open source technology with world-class support

• Access to the latest open source technology while taking advantage of IBM's ability to quickly address service issues with minimal disruption of your production environment.

• Three support options: Entry, Enhanced and Elite - enable you to choose the support level to meet your business and technical needs. Reap the benefits of open source with the peace of mind.

Customize the server to suit the needs of your applications and business

• Modular architect enables you to create lightweight custom application servers to suit your specific business needs by removing components or extending capabilities. Combining this with its liberal product license, WebSphere Application Server Community Edition is an ideal embedded application server for your solution.

Clear path to advanced capabilities

• WebSphere Application Server Community Edition provides you an entry point to a comprehensive and proven portfolio of middleware products from the IBM WebSphere family. You can consume additional advanced capabilities as your needs grow over time.

Effective ecosystem for self-help and guidance

• WebSphere Application Server Community Edition offers extensive documentation, education and self-help tools like the IBM Support Assistant, as well as a skilled and accessible partner and user community to help you.

Experience Java EE! - Redbook
Hands-on guide to developing a comprehensive Java™ EE application using WebSphere Application Server Community Edition v2.1, including core functions, security, Web services, and messaging.

• WebSphere Application Server Community Edition Datasheet (PDF, 352KB)
  Taking advantage of the flexibility of open source technology to
  speed application deployment.

• Finding opportunities to optimize costs and increase business agility across the life cycle of your applications – White paper
  This whitepaper shows how the Smart SOA Application Infrastructure portfolio from WebSphere delivers offerings that squarely address these two IT needs throughout the application lifecycle.

• Important Considerations in Selecting an Application Server – by Sageza Group – Analyst White paper
  The paper offers insight into what should be the most important criteria and considerations when selecting an application server and compares server offerings from BEA, Oracle, and IBM against these criteria.