IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Oracle Fusion Middleware comparison

IBM and Oracle are both solutions in the Application Server category. IBM is ranked #5 with an average rating of 8.1, while Oracle is ranked #6 with an average rating of 7.8. IBM holds a 12.2% mindshare in AppS, compared to Oracle’s 5.3% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 87% of Oracle users who would recommend it.

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Read 31 IBM WebSphere Application Server reviews

3,129 Views
2,203 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Oracle Fusion Middleware

Read 15 Oracle Fusion Middleware reviews

1,844 Views
890 Comparison Views

87% willing to recommend

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Oracle Fusion Middleware

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 2, 2025

IBM WebSphere Application Server and Oracle Fusion Middleware are significant players in the enterprise application server market. IBM WebSphere may have an edge in support and pricing, while Oracle Fusion Middleware excels with a comprehensive feature set appealing to those emphasizing functionality.

Features: IBM WebSphere Application Server is recognized for scalability, security, and robust performance, particularly in high-reliability environments. It suits organizations needing a flexible and secure server platform. Oracle Fusion Middleware stands out with wide-ranging features and strong integration capabilities, ideal for businesses requiring seamless application connectivity.

Room for Improvement: IBM WebSphere could enhance its usability for small-scale deployments and simplify integration with non-IBM products. Also, improving its user interface could benefit less technical users. Oracle Fusion Middleware might reduce the complexity of deployment procedures and offer more competitive pricing. Additionally, simplifying its vast feature set could ease navigation for new users.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Oracle Fusion Middleware provides solutions to ease integration with existing systems but can present deployment complexities, benefiting from formal support. IBM WebSphere offers strong technical support with tools that decrease deployment time, aiding in efficient troubleshooting and customer service.

Pricing and ROI: IBM WebSphere is known for a cost-effective pricing model that attracts cost-sensitive businesses without compromising server functionalities. Conversely, Oracle Fusion Middleware, with higher initial costs, promises considerable long-term ROI due to its rich feature suite for those investing in comprehensive solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware Report (Updated: January 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware

January 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Ranking in Application Server

5th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Infrastructure (5th)

Oracle Fusion Middleware

Ranking in Application Server

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2025, in the Application Server category, the mindshare of IBM WebSphere Application Server is 12.2%, up from 11.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Fusion Middleware is 5.3%, up from 4.4% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Server

Featured Reviews

BharathirajaSukumar

Senior Lead Analyst at Radial

Efficient load balancing and the clustering, achieved by using the deployment manager, is valuable

I believe that the system is already good. However, for improvement or enhancement, it is user-friendly, but it could offer better choices on the front end for different aspects or options. Sometimes, I have to search extensively for features, as there are no upfront tabs. There is a lack of visible, easy, user-friendly, and straightforward options for the number of features.

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Husni Milhem

Projects & SCM Track Leader at El-Seif Engineering Contracting Company

Maintains top database performance and includes a very good ATB feature

Technical support is helpful. They have a good support bot for handling items so most case response times are fast. Support is aware and responsive but it takes time for them to resolve issues. Our whole enterprise is in the cloud and uses this application. It is a high priority to close any issues. We need an immediate response with resolution within two to three days. Support sends a lot of templates to fill in based on the priority or escalation. Completing templates takes time, particularly with the bot. The support process definitely needs improvement so technical support is rated a seven out of ten.

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Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"One of the most valuable features might be the stability of the IBM WebSphere Application Server."

"IBM WebSphere Application Server is easy to use."

"We needed this type of integration and WebShepere is the best tool for it."

"The solution is robust. The connection management and the scalability, which IBM provides to the Stack, are also valuable."

"The scalability of the product is quite good."

"Without the Admin Console it would be very hard to configure JVM settings, JDBC datasources, mail session settings, and security providers."

"The performance is good."

"The integration between IBM tools and applications is very well executed."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pros

"The most valuable features are Oracle Unified Directory and unified identity access management."

"The most valuable features are the pre-built connectors between Oracle applications, which allow quick integration. I also appreciate the fast deployment of components. Oracle Fusion Middleware's key benefit is enabling real-time data transfer between applications."

"Oracle Service Bus is the most valuable feature of the solution."

"The most valuable feature is the structure of the product. We use Oracle Fusion Middleware to manage the Oracle database. Registered users can go to each product if sign-on credentials match each user's identical framework."

"The solution is very easy to install."

"I rate Oracle Fusion Middleware as ten out of ten."

"One good thing, which is a little bit common across all middleware products, is that you can build asynchronous as well as synchronous processes. The SOA part is where it can maintain your state for any state-full integrations. If you have failures, you can replay all that, which is a good part."

"Fusion Middleware's main feature for me is that it is quite flexible, and, as middleware, it provides us with all sorts of technology and application adapters, which makes it very handy to use."

More Oracle Fusion Middleware pros

Cons

"Sometimes, I feel WebSphere runs a bit slow. It might be loading unnecessary libraries, impacting its performance compared to other application servers."

"I think in some moments, the security was a little bit more complex to configure when it was delegated to other systems, making it an area where improvements are required."

"In the next release of this solution, I would like to see support for the Arabic language."

"Installing or configuring a WAS server instance as a Windows Service causes a lot of problems, especially when the server needs credentials to stop."

"The main issue we faced was its limited compatibility with non-Java technologies, which can result in difficulty detecting potential bugs and requiring additional integration efforts."

"In spite of the solution's robustness, it is expensive and a bit difficult to support."

"What could be improved in IBM WebSphere Application Server is its interconnection with other products, for example, Kafka. What I'd like to see in the next release of the solution is a better graphical user interface."

"The availability of the solution needs improvement."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server cons

"The solution's technical support needs to be improved."

"Oracle Fusion Middleware could improve by offering enhanced and customizable business-related features, particularly in supporting individual businesses or custom applications."

"Oracle rapidly releases new features, and I may not be ready to adopt them."

"One thing that I would like to see is if this product can be containerized. We are moving away from virtual servers and moving more towards containerization to be able to quickly set up environments or have the flexibility of scaling them. It would be good if it can be containerized, and it works well in containerized platforms."

"The documentation might not be good enough for new users."

"I would rate the stability a nine out of ten because we did have multiple breakdowns and crashes."

"Oracle rapidly releases new features, and I may not be ready to adopt them."

"Oracle Fusion Middleware is based on the regulations in Saudi Arabia and the legislation changes. There is a need to be improvements all the time. It needs to adapt quickly in this market. Additionally, there could be some improvements in the construction sector."

More Oracle Fusion Middleware cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay around $200,000 annually."

"The solution is quite expensive."

"We used to pay about $100,000-$120,000 US or somewhere around there. That was a bit cost-prohibitive for us to continue."

"I don't remember the price, but there are no additional costs."

"The price of this product is higher than that of competitors."

"WebSphere Application Server is expensive, so it may not be a good option for small companies."

"IBM WAS base is part of the deal when you purchase IBM FileNet P8 Content Engine."

"The price of IBM WebSphere Application Server could be less expensive and there is an annual license required for this solution."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pricing and cost advice

"The tool is best suited for large companies due to high licensing costs."

"The pricing is moderate. It's fine."

"It is expensive. We are looking for a cheaper solution."

"The solution is quite expensive so is only used by larger organizations."

"We pay annually for the solution."

"The solution is expensive so pricing is rated a six out of ten."

"The licensing costs are reasonable."

"My advice is to buy the basic modules first, gain the most benefit from them, then buy the advanced modules."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

30%

Computer Software Company

14%

Insurance Company

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

54%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM WebSphere Application Server?

Network Deployment is the most useful feature for scalability. It has many features within the standard WebSphere Application Server edition.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM WebSphere Application Server?

In Korea, when you buy IBM iOS, the WebSphere base version is included with iOS. That means no additional cost.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM WebSphere Application Server?

I find the server okay, however, using the Maker instance, the Moving instance, and the Change instance is a little bit complicated without WebSphere knowledge.

See all answers

What do you like most about Oracle Fusion Middleware?

The most valuable features are Oracle Unified Directory and unified identity access management.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Oracle Fusion Middleware?

The tool is best suited for large companies due to high licensing costs.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Oracle Fusion Middleware?

For improvements, I think Oracle Fusion Middleware could be better at connecting to third-party applications. While it works well with Oracle products, it's more limited to non-Oracle systems than ...

See all answers

Comparisons

JBoss Enterprise Application Platform vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 25% of the time

JBoss vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 23% of the time

Tomcat vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 16% of the time

Oracle WebLogic Server vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 10% of the time

SAP NetWeaver Enterprise Portal vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 1% of the time

More IBM WebSphere Application Server Competitors

Oracle WebLogic Server vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 83% of the time

JBoss vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 7% of the time

Tomcat vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 5% of the time

More Oracle Fusion Middleware Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server

February 2025

Download IBM WebSphere Application Server product report

Buyer's Guide

Oracle Fusion Middleware

February 2025

Download Oracle Fusion Middleware product report

Also Known As

WebSphere Application Server

No data available

Overview

IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) is a middleware platform developed by IBM. It provides a range of services and tools to help organizations develop, deploy, and manage Java-based applications. WAS is part of IBM's WebSphere product family and provides a secure, scalable, and highly available platform for developing and running web-based applications. WAS provides a secure, scalable, and highly available platform, making it an attractive solution for organizations looking to develop and deploy enterprise-grade applications.

IBM WebSphere Application Server Features

IBM WebSphere Application Server has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

Application deployment: IBM WAS enables organizations to deploy and manage applications in a secure and scalable environment.

Clustering: The clustering feature can help organizations ensure high availability and improve application performance.

Load balancing: The solution Includes load balancing capabilities to distribute application workloads and improve performance.

Security: IBM WAS offers a range of security features, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, to help organizations secure their applications and data.

Monitoring and management: The solution’s range of tools for monitoring and managing applications, including the IBM WebSphere Administrative Console allows organizations to optimize application performance and resolve issues easily.

Integration: IBM WAS integrates with a range of IBM and third-party products, including IBM WebSphere MQ, IBM DB2, and more, to provide a comprehensive platform for developing and running web-based applications.

IBM WebSphere Application Server Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing IBM WebSphere Application Server. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

Improved application performance: The IBM WAS platform offers a scalable and secure platform for deploying and managing applications, enabling organizations to improve application performance and reduce downtime.

High availability: IBM WAS provides clustering and load-balancing capabilities to help organizations ensure high availability.

Improved security: With a large range of security features, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, the solution helps organizations secure their applications and data.

Simplified management: IBM WAS is designed with a set of tools for monitoring and managing applications, enabling organizations to optimize performance and resolve issues efficiently.

Increased flexibility: The solution integrates with a range of IBM and third-party products, providing organizations with a flexible platform for developing and running web-based applications.

Improved developer productivity: It supports the latest Java EE specifications, allowing developers to use the latest technologies and development methodologies when building applications.

Better customer experience: Organizations can deliver faster and more reliable applications, improving the overall customer experience.

Scalability: IBM WAS provides a scalable and secure platform for deploying and managing applications, so organizations can quickly respond to changing business requirements.

Reviews from Real Users

IBM WebSphere Application Server is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it is stable, supports many languages, and is resilient.

Princewill O., Head Banking Application Customization and Reporting at a financial services firm, states, “[The solution is] very stable, supports many languages, and helpful for faster time to market.”

"What's most valuable in IBM WebSphere Application Server is its resilience. When you use the solution, you know that after the communication has been done, there will be no doubt that the data has reached its destination,” says Nicolae C., System and Solutions Architect at Seidor.

Another PeerSpot reviewer, an Enterprise Technical Leader at a tech services company mentions, “[It is an] enterprise-level product with extensive console capabilities, including the ability to control multiple JVM containers.”

IBM

Oracle Fusion Middleware is the digital business platform for the enterprise and the cloud. It enables enterprises to create and run agile, intelligent business applications while maximizing IT efficiency through full utilization of modern hardware and software architectures.

Oracle

Sample Customers

TalkTalk, Property management group, E.SUN Bank, Ohio National Financial Services, Aviarc, Cincom Systems, FJA-US, D+H, Staples, Michigan Municipal League

Police Department of Izmir City

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware

January 2025

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