IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Zend PHP Engine comparison

IBM and Zend are both solutions in the Application Infrastructure category. IBM is ranked #3 with an average rating of 7.8, while Zend is ranked #14 with an average rating of 7.5. IBM holds a 6.8% mindshare in AIS, compared to Zend’s 1.7% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Zend users who would recommend it.

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Read 32 IBM WebSphere Application Server reviews

3,229 Views
1,518 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Zend PHP Engine

Read 11 Zend PHP Engine reviews

547 Views
547 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Zend PHP Engine

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Mar 5, 2025

Zend PHP Engine and IBM WebSphere Application Server are tools in the application development category. Zend PHP Engine stands out for its cost-effectiveness and ease of deployment while IBM WebSphere is seen as a superior choice due to its extensive features.

Features:Zend PHP Engine provides rapid development, lightweight performance, and PHP support, ideal for web apps. IBM WebSphere Application Server offers extensive enterprise-level functionalities, robust security features, and scalability, catering to a wide range of application needs.

Room for Improvement:Zend PHP Engine could benefit from broader language support, more robust enterprise features, and advanced security protocols. IBM WebSphere Application Server needs simpler setup processes, better out-of-the-box usability, and improved resource efficiency to reduce operational overhead.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service:Zend PHP Engine is favored for straightforward deployment and support, facilitating quick market entry. IBM WebSphere requires more elaborate deployment, but it benefits from strong customer service aiding its complex functionalities.

Pricing and ROI:Zend PHP Engine is known for low setup costs and rapid ROI, particularly for PHP-centric projects. IBM WebSphere, while necessitating higher initial investment, provides robust long-term value with its extensive capabilities for enterprises needing scalable and secure solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Zend PHP Engine Report (Updated: February 2026).

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Zend PHP Engine

February 2026

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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 Infrastructure

3rd

Average Rating

7.8

Reviews Sentiment

5.4

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Server (5th)

Zend PHP Engine

Ranking in Application Infrastructure

14th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

7.6

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of February 2026, in the Application Infrastructure category, the mindshare of IBM WebSphere Application Server is 6.8%, down from 11.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Zend PHP Engine is 1.7%, up from 1.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Infrastructure Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
IBM WebSphere Application Server	6.8%
Zend PHP Engine	1.7%
Other	91.5%

Application Infrastructure

Featured Reviews

Costica Florea

Senior Manager, MW & DB Automation at a computer software company with 11-50 employees

Has worked seamlessly in complex clustered environments and supports long-term development efforts

IBM WebSphere Application Server is currently at version 9.0.5.23. In recent months, they released fix 23, as they periodically release fixes. Previously, they frequently increased versions, but now they maintain 9.0.5 with different releases. It's based on Java J2EE 7 and Java SDK 1.8. Oracle announced that 2030 will be the last year when Java SDK 1.8 will be supported. Oracle currently deploys Java 2.x in parallel, with the latest being version 25. The future of IBM WebSphere Application Server remains uncertain since it's based on Java 1.8 and Java 7. I haven't found any white papers or official documentation from IBM outlining their trajectory post-2030.

Read full review

Marco Wwrthon

CEO at VonatelNetworks

Effective network data analysis with customization capabilities and an open-source model

We use Zend PHP Engine in a government project to develop a tool for network monitoring analysis. We utilize the tool to collect all the network data for a platform PHP allows us to personalize a solution if the customer desires. This flexibility is beneficial. Zend PHP Engine is a good tool for…

Read full review

Quotes from Members

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

Pros

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

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

"IBM WebSphere Application Server is easy to use."

"The scalability of the product is quite good."

"It does integrate well with the Tivoli Federated Identity Management system."

"As compared to other applications, it has tremendous support. We have built internal capability so that we use it extensively internally. It is also easier to use with the outside data. You can write in ESQL, Java, or any other technology that you want to use for development. So, it is a lot more flexible in the language that it supports."

"I would say that the clustering, achieved by using the deployment manager, is valuable, as there is a load balancing feature that uses different nodes, handled by the deployment manager, and this functionality helps with the load balancing of applications."

"The integration between IBM tools and applications is very well executed, and the support from IBM is quite good, providing a solid support structure."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pros

"Zend Engine is the core of PHP. It makes PHP fast, efficient, and basically, the language of choice for web applications."

"We have not encountered issues with scalability as long as we effectively use caching to optimize performance of our web applications as well as a proper use of database connectivity."

"Zend Engine gives the flexibility to use external modules to easily expand the functionalities you need for your web project."

"Scaling up is an important factor for large projects, and with PHP 7 and its performance improvements, this becomes even easier."

"Zend PHP Engine is more secure than any other framework, and I usually prefer Zend PHP Engine for big applications."

"The fact that it is available open-source is the best feature."

"The cache modules that Zend provides have been able to optimize and accelerate the loading of the pages when there was exponential growth in data volume and quantity of requests. At the same time, the monitoring console allowed us to have a real-time understanding of the resources and to make decisions when they were at the limit."

"This solution is really easy for me to use."

More Zend PHP Engine pros

Cons

"The business logic side of it is sort of missing in the sense that if I want to track and measure velocity, it is not really available. You have to buy another application and embark on a separate implementation. Instead of having different licensing, IBM DataPower should be integrated with WebSphere. It will allow us to build the business layer and rules a lot more efficiently, rather than developing rules within the application. It would be good if we can set up the business layer through parametrization rather than development. IBM DataPower has the business rule and the controls, and if it can be integrated, it would be fantastic. It will help the application in working better in terms of security features and business logic. If you're going to use it for open banking, you will be able to monitor velocity on the total pricing."

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

"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."

"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 licensing could be improved, and I would like it to give the longevity of the lifespan of the visions. In the next release, I would like to be able to download and extract the files so that I can just use my application server."

"The security could be better."

"Some things are very difficult to do, so the interface and usage could be more intuitive for those."

"It should be able to serve more concurrent requests like Oracle. Oracle has more powerful stability, availability, and real-time serving."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server cons

"SQL queries have always been an issue with PHP, especially if you use large tables, which require caution from the side of the developer."

"Zend PHP Engine needs to improve the loading time of its libraries and make it faster."

"Although it offers a complete environment to develop and deploy PHP applications, it has some limitations. For example, when the volume of data increased exponentially, I had problems scaling the system."

"The biggest problem with PHP is you have to write lot of conditions or have to use a framework."

"Integrating AI tools would make PHP more competitive, as other tools already have AI features."

"In terms of improvement, it doesn't support concurrent processing. When we want to process anything on a concurrent basis, we have to divide it into a number of things, like a queue, or we have to run it using Cron jobs. We would like to have the capability to run any thread or process in parallel."

"The solution can be quicker."

"Integration of MVC with ORM tools for PHP is okay, but lacking a short list of decent ORM tools for PHP to choose from; there is ample room for improvement in both areas."

More Zend PHP Engine cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"We pay around $200,000 annually."

"The solution is quite expensive."

"Room for improvement would only be in the licensing. As with all IBM products the licensing can be complex and expensive. Bargain well and try to get as much discount as possible. Discounts of 85% are possible. Without the discount, I think the product is overrated."

"The pricing is a little expensive."

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

"The licensing cost is 1,000 of euros for a 30-year table."

"There is an Eclipse Plugin provided by IBM, so no need to buy IBM Rational Application Developer or Rational Software Architect tools."

"It is very expensive."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pricing and cost advice

"The solution is open source and you just pay for the server cost."

"The Zend PHP engine is open source technology, so there's no need for us to worry about licensing or other costs."

"No problem with pricing and licensing, as tools are open source. You have to consider training cost, mindset setup cost, as part of the TCO."

"Its pricing depends on the number of users."

"Zend PHP Engine is not an expensive solution."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

33%

Computer Software Company

Insurance Company

Government

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Midsize Enterprise	6
Large Enterprise	23

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	9
Large Enterprise	2

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?

At Royal Bank, which is a major IBM customer with mainframes and numerous IBM products, they have a specific agreement regarding pricing. The pricing structure for large enterprise customers differ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM WebSphere Application Server?

See all answers

What do you like most about Zend PHP Engine?

The fact that it is available open-source is the best feature.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Zend PHP Engine?

PHP is an open-source solution.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Zend PHP Engine?

Integrating AI tools would make PHP more competitive, as other tools already have AI features.

See all answers

Comparisons

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Compared 17% of the time

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Compared 15% of the time

Tomcat vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 12% of the time

Oracle WebLogic Server vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 7% of the time

HCL Digital Experience vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 6% of the time

More IBM WebSphere Application Server Competitors

NGINX Plus vs Zend PHP Engine

Compared 43% of the time

Apache Web Server vs Zend PHP Engine

Compared 31% of the time

Atos DirX Directory vs Zend PHP Engine

Compared 26% of the time

More Zend PHP Engine Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server

January 2026

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Buyer's Guide

Application Infrastructure

February 2026

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Also Known As

WebSphere Application Server

PHP Engine

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

The Zend PHP Engine is designed to optimize PHP code and improve performance, making it a popular choice for web developers. It is easy to use, stable, does not require a lot of code, is open source, and only requires payment for server costs. The initial setup is straightforward, and there is no real need to set up the solution because it's built into the deployment.

Zend

Sample Customers

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

Cisco

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Zend PHP Engine

February 2026

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