What Are the Major Differences Between IBM WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5 and 9?

IBM WebSphere Application Server has seen significant enhancements over the years. One of the most noteworthy releases is the transition from version 8.5.5 to 9, which brings a host of new features and improvements. This article explores the key differences, focusing on several core aspects that differentiate these two versions.

Full Support for Java EE 7

A significant change in WebSphere Application Server 9 is its full support for Java EE 7. This means that enterprises can now leverage the latest version of the Java Enterprise Edition, which includes a range of new technologies and improvements. These include support for new APIs like WebSocket, Jakarta Microprofile, and new security features. This transition paves the way for developers to build more dynamic and secure enterprise applications.

Liberty App Accelerator

One of the exciting additions in WebSphere Application Server 9 is the Liberty App Accelerator. This is a lightweight, feature-rich application server for Java EE apps. It has the advantage of being more flexible and scalable, making it an ideal choice for microservices architectures and cloud-native applications. The Liberty App Accelerator supports WebSphere Application Server features, but with a focus on minimal footprint and high performance.

Game On - Optimized for Mobile Applications

With the rise of mobile computing, WebSphere Application Server 9 now includes Game On, a technology designed specifically for developing and deploying mobile applications. Game On is optimized for performance and scalability, ensuring that mobile apps run smoothly and are capable of handling large numbers of concurrent users. It provides a robust platform for developing both enterprise and consumer-grade mobile applications, making WebSphere a versatile choice for organizations with diverse mobile application needs.

Application Portability with Docker Containers

WebSphere Application Server 9 places a strong emphasis on application portability. It now supports the use of Docker containers, a popular containerization technology. This means that applications can easily be packaged and deployed across different environments, including on-premises data centers and public clouds like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. Docker containers offer a consistent runtime environment, reducing the likelihood of issues related to application compatibility and ensuring smoother deployments and scale-up operations.

VMware Portability - Enhancing Cloud-Native Environments

Another major improvement in WebSphere Application Server 9 is the enhanced support for VMware environments, particularly in the realm of cloud-native development. VMware portability allows applications to move seamlessly between VMware vSphere and Pivotal Cloud Foundry (PCF), ensuring that organizations can leverage the flexibility and agility of VMware while still benefiting from the robust enterprise features of WebSphere. This is particularly useful for organizations with existing VMware infrastructure who are looking to adopt modern cloud-native practices.

Caching Enhancements

Caching is a critical aspect of modern application performance, and WebSphere Application Server 9 has made significant enhancements in this area. The caching mechanism has been improved to provide faster response times and more efficient use of resources. Specifically, the enhanced caching feature allows for better management of frequently accessed data, reducing the load on backend databases and improving overall system performance. This is particularly important for high-traffic applications and mission-critical systems.

Editions and Features - Essentials of API Connect

WebSphere Application Server 9 also offers the Essentials edition of API Connect, which provides a powerful set of tools for developing, managing, and securing APIs. API Connect supports the rapid creation and deployment of APIs, making it easier for organizations to expose existing services and applications as reusable web resources. It also includes advanced security features, allowing developers to ensure that APIs are protected against unauthorized access and other security threats.

Conclusion

The transition from WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5 to 9 represents a significant leap forward in terms of functionality, flexibility, and application portability. With its full support for Java EE 7, advanced Docker container support, optimized mobile platform (Game On), and enhanced caching, WebSphere Application Server 9 is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of modern enterprises. Whether you are building new applications or looking to modernize existing ones, WebSphere 9 offers a robust and scalable platform that can help you stay competitive in the rapidly evolving landscape of enterprise software.

References

For further information on the differences and improvements in WebSphere Application Server 8.5.5 and 9, please refer to the official IBM documentation and case studies from organizations that have successfully migrated to the latest version.