IBM WebSphere Application Server Reviews

Vendor: IBM

3.8 out of 5

31 reviews
88% willing to recommend

769 followers

What is IBM WebSphere Application Server?

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.

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IBM WebSphere Application Server is the #5 ranked solution in top Application Server solutions and top Application Infrastructure solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM WebSphere Application Server an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. IBM WebSphere Application Server is most commonly compared to Oracle WebLogic Server: IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Oracle WebLogic Server. IBM WebSphere Application Server is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 72% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 30% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server

February 2025

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Featured reviews

BharathirajaSukumar

Senior Lead Analyst at Radial

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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SakthivelVeeramuthu

Technology Lead at Infosys

Network Deployment is the most useful feature for scalability. It has many features within the standard WebSphere Application Server edition. WebSphere's security meets our application's needs. For security, we can integrate WebSphere with LDAP. Additionally, we can configure SSO certificates or third-party certificates for secure communication between our application and even the database. We can use SSL certificates to secure both frontend and backend connections. Combined with LDAP and SSL certificates, the security features are excellent. Integration capabilities are good. That's a key strength of WebSphere. It integrates easily with various other software vendors, which is why many companies use it.

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Saleem Shar

Managing Consultant at Systems Limited

IBM WebSphere Application Server is one of the best servers due to its stability and paid license. I have never encountered any issues when installing and deploying applications, as it never goes down. Currently, there are two versions of WebSphere Application Server: the old version, known as WebSphere Application ND, and the newer version, Liberty, which is Docker-based. I have experience with both and have never encountered any issues. I believe that WebSphere Application Server is a great feature.

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IBM WebSphere Application Server mindshare

Product category:

As of February 2025, the mindshare of IBM WebSphere Application Server in the Application Server category stands at 12.2%, up from 11.7% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Server

PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Application Server	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Tomcat	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Oracle WebLogic Server	Feb 21, 2025	Download
Comparison	IBM WebSphere Application Server vs JBoss	Feb 21, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Oracle WebLogic Server	4.0	25.9%	86%	34 interviews Add to research
IIS	4.0	6.9%	89%	55 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

IBM WebSphere Application Server is valued for its scalability, reliability, stability, and enterprise capabilities. It features a user-friendly admin console, robust security with fine-grained access control, integration with various software, and strong data consistency. Users appreciate its performance, ease of deployment, and support for legacy systems. Its clustering, connection management, and extensive configurations, including Java-based options, enhance usability. It supports secure communication with LDAP and SSL and integrates seamlessly within IBM's ecosystem.

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

Room for Improvement

IBM WebSphere Application Server requires simplification in cluster building and ease in setup. It could benefit from better integration with databases, reduced resource consumption, and improved support for cloud services. Updating Java versions promptly is crucial. Licensing and pricing need revision. Enhancements in user interface and administration are necessary, including automation deployment possibilities. Compatibility with various web servers and improved security configurations are beneficial. Training and community support are needed, as is better performance and responsiveness.

"WebSphere is very cumbersome and not user-friendly. It used to have its own JVM, which presented challenges such as different architecture and memory leaks."
"WebSphere is very cumbersome and not user-friendly."
"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."

Pricing

IBM WebSphere Application Server is considered expensive, particularly when compared to open-source alternatives. Licensing can be complex and costly, often requiring careful negotiation to secure significant discounts. The pricing structure is primarily based on Processor Value Unit (PVU) costs, with support and maintenance adding further expenses. It is generally suitable for large enterprises, such as those in banking and government sectors, due to its scalability but may not be ideal for smaller companies with limited budgets.

"It's expensive."
"The pricing is a little expensive."
"The solution is quite expensive."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use IBM WebSphere Application Server for hosting case management systems, integrating external parties, and deploying services in industries like financial, insurance, and retail. It serves as a gateway for payment applications and enables communication across core banking and CRM systems. Often deployed on-premise and cloud environments, it supports various operating systems and hosts e-commerce, Pega, and enterprise applications. Users leverage WebSphere's admin console for deployment and manage its server features for enhanced security and performance.

Service and Support

IBM WebSphere Application Server customer service receives praise for providing efficient and effective support. Users describe support as very good, responsive, and professional. However, response times need improvement, leading to mixed feedback. Some encounter delays and confusion with documentation, while others appreciate strong documentation and support. Dependence on third-party providers is noted, though some find the support team insufficiently staffed. Despite these concerns, many rate the support highly, acknowledging the successful handling of technical issues.

Deployment

The initial setup of IBM WebSphere Application Server is often described as straightforward by many, though some find it complex. Users agree it requires IBM Installation Manager and package configuration. Experience levels influence difficulty; seasoned experts find it manageable, while others face challenges. Installation time varies widely based on complexity and user familiarity, ranging from minutes to months. Although some appreciate platform consistency and ease of use, others note intricate configurations requiring skilled personnel.

Scalability

IBM WebSphere Application Server is generally considered scalable with features like built-in load balancing and the ability to add multiple nodes. However, high licensing costs and complex configurations are concerns. Some experience memory and performance issues when scaling to high user counts, suggesting reliance on cloud solutions for better scalability. Users typically appreciate its capacity to handle traffic, but cost is a frequent limiting factor in exploiting full scalability potential.

Stability

IBM WebSphere Application Server is generally regarded as stable and robust by many users, with high availability and reliability. Some note that it handles scalability well without stability issues, requiring restarts mainly for updates. However, a few mention stability concerns, citing increased failures and limitations with user connections. Ratings vary, with most giving high marks, though some suggest potential improvements. Users appreciate its performance without needing extensive resources.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our IBM WebSphere Application Server Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

30%

Computer Software Company

14%

Insurance Company

Manufacturing Company

Government

Healthcare Company

Retailer

University

Comms Service Provider

Construction Company

Media Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Educational Organization

Real Estate/Law Firm

Transportation Company

Legal Firm

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Logistics Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Consumer Goods Company

Non Profit

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Compare IBM WebSphere Application Server with alternative products

Learn more about IBM WebSphere Application Server

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 WebSphere Application Server was previously known as WebSphere Application Server.

IBM WebSphere Application Server customers

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