WebSphere migration: Migrating from JBoss v4.x to IBM WASCE v2.x

WebSphere migration: Migrating from JBoss v4.x to IBM WebSphere application Server Community Edition v2.x

Brief introduction

Java Enterprise Edition 5 (java™ee5™) is a programming platform for developing and running distributed, multi-tier Java applications. The developed application runs on one of the Java EE containers. Two containers implement the same specification, so that applications developed for one application server can be seamlessly migrated to another application server. However, this process is not straightforward because of differences in class loader mechanisms, application packaging, use of native code, and deployment plans.

In this article, we will describe the similarities and differences between the two application servers and their architectures. Migrating articles section describes migrating applications developed for JBoss application Server to WebSphere Application Server Community Edition (hereafter referred to Community Edition) and the steps. First, we will introduce these two application servers from a higher level.

The JBoss application server is a Java Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE5) compliant application server for application development, testing, and deployment, created by Red Hat. Note that, so far, JBoss V5 has been released on jboss.org, but RedHat JBoss V5 has not yet been fully released. The relocation of the JBoss v5 should be similar.

Community Edition is a Java Enterprise Edition 5 (Java EE5)-certified application server based on Apache Geronimo. It is prepackaged and contains the following open source components (just a subset of them):

Apache Derby, used as the default database server

Apache OpenJPA, used as a persistence engine

Apache OPENEJB, used as an EJB container

Apache Tomcat, used as a Web container

Active MQ, used as a message delivery provider

The Geronimo kernel is the core of Geronimo, which acts as an adhesive and can be plugged into any open source component.

Some of the advanced features of Community Edition include:

Java Support-IBM and Sun java.

Platform Support-SUSE, Ubuntu, Red Hat and Asianux Linux, AIX, Sun Solaris, Windows XP, 2003, 2008, and Vista.

Database Support-Apache Derby, IBM DB2, IBM Informix, MySQL, Oracle, and Microsoft SQL Server (any JDBC-compliant database is available).

Message delivery Support-Apache ActiveMQ, WebSphere MQ.

Directory server Support-Apache directory server, IBM Tivoli directory server, Microsoft Active Directory server, Open LDAP server, and Sun one Directory Server.

Low memory footprint-it's easy to start using Community edition--downloads only take about MB, so developers can easily download and use it. The lightweight nature of the Community Editions also means it can be easily embedded into a larger stack, which helps customers and ISVs build a complete solution using Community Edition.

Centralized configuration and control-Community Edition provides monitoring support through the management console. With this feature, you can collect statistics and performance data for multiple servers and display them graphically to users.

Portability for the WebSphere Application Server family-your investment in WebSphere Application Server Community Edition will add value over time, as the open source community will become increasingly mature and innovative. Similarly, the WebSphere application Server Community Edition gives you access to a complete, reliable WebSphere middleware portfolio. As your requirements increase over time, IBM can provide advanced functionality, such as SOA, through the WebSphere application Server configuration.

Free product License-free for development, testing, and deployment.

30-Day free trial Support-Community Edition offers 30-day free trial support, so users can feel the benefits of IBM support.

Eclipse plug-in for application development, testing, and deployment.

Open forums that can answer all your questions. You can ask any questions about Community Edition at the IBM developerWorks Forum.