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IBM MQ Reviews

Vendor: IBM
4.2 out of 5
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What is IBM MQ?

    IBM MQ is a middleware product used to send or exchange messages across multiple platforms, including applications, systems, files, and services via MQs (messaging queues). This solution helps simplify the creation of business applications, and also makes them easier to maintain. IBM MQ is security-rich, has high performance, and provides a universal messaging backbone with robust connectivity. In addition, it also integrates easily with existing IT assets by using an SOA (service oriented architecture).

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IBM MQ is the #1 ranked solution in top Business Activity Monitoring solutions, top Message Queue Software, and top Message Oriented Middleware (MOM) solutions. PeerSpot users give IBM MQ an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. IBM MQ is most commonly compared to MuleSoft Anypoint Platform: IBM MQ vs MuleSoft Anypoint Platform. IBM MQ is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 69% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a financial services firm, accounting for 36% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
IBM MQ
August 2025
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IBM MQ mindshare

Product category:
Message Queue (MQ) Software
As of August 2025, the mindshare of IBM MQ in the Message Queue (MQ) Software category stands at 26.9%, up from 21.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Message Queue (MQ) Software Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
IBM MQ26.9%
ActiveMQ26.2%
Red Hat AMQ9.4%
Other37.50000000000001%
Message Queue (MQ) Software

PeerResearch reports based on IBM MQ reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryMessage Queue (MQ) SoftwareAug 27, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM MQ vs ActiveMQAug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM MQ vs Amazon SQSAug 27, 2025Download
ComparisonIBM MQ vs MuleSoft Anypoint PlatformAug 27, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
MuleSoft Anypoint Platform4.08.6%92%59 interviewsAdd to research
ActiveMQ4.026.2%89%28 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

IBM MQ's most valued features include its reliable data transfer, seamless integration across platforms, stability, guaranteed message delivery, and scalability. It supports real-time information exchange with robust security measures. Users appreciate its ease of setup, versatility, and ability to handle high transaction volumes without data loss. It's compatible with multiple technologies, offering a reliable infrastructure for diverse systems. Security features like SSL provide data protection, making IBM MQ a trusted choice in industries requiring high reliability.
  • "IBM MQ is a choice to create a relation between the Mainframe and distributed servers, allowing applications running on Linux or Windows to interface with Mainframe applications and enable more development of easier and open applications in a distributed environment."
  • "The features of IBM MQ that have proven most effective for ensuring message delivery reliability are the stability of the system, the resilience and the product, which is definitely of top quality in this segment."
  • "On a scale of 1-10, I rate IBM MQ a nine."

Room for Improvement

IBM MQ users express a need for enhanced internet capabilities and integration, improved monitoring, streamlined migration processes, and better high availability and clustering. Calls for user-friendly interfaces and embedded dashboards are common, alongside requests for better API support and increased cloud compatibility. Issues with pricing, security, and training are noted. Some users cite challenges with scalability, message size limitations, and the complexity of installation and updates as areas needing attention.
  • "The customer service or technical support from IBM is not as good as we expected; it could be better. They don't meet our standards due to the timing to get a person with knowledge."
  • "The areas of IBM MQ that have room for improvement are its compatibility with the public clouds, specifically its compatibility with Azure or AWS, as there is definitely a lot of scope for improvement there."
  • "Support can be better because sometimes we need explanations for some behaviors of the product, and it's not easy to reach the proper person in IBM support."

ROI

Organizations mention IBM MQ is reliable with good returns. While actual ROI can be hard to quantify, some see initial costs recovered in two years. It buffers transaction spikes, reduces bugs, and saves on development costs. While some users serve public services without tracking ROI, others note reduced costs and no data loss. Financial institutions report revenue generation and stability, valuing its integration capabilities and message handling for significant transaction volumes.

Pricing

IBM MQ's pricing is considered high by many enterprises but offers a flexible license model based on the Processor Value Unit (PVU). Costs can quickly add up with an annual or quarterly licensing fee, often bundled with other IBM services. While some find it reasonable compared to alternatives like RabbitMQ, many seek cheaper or open-source options. IBM MQ includes performance and scalability benefits, making it expensive for smaller companies but suitable for large enterprises.
  • "If one is cheap and ten is expensive, I rate the tool's price a seven. The product is expensive."
  • "The license for IBM MQ is commercial and not cheap. You get a multi-platform solution, which is important because it lets you connect systems on mainframes, personal solutions, Unix, Linux, etc."
  • "The pricing needs improvement."

Popular Use Cases

IBM MQ is utilized for guaranteed delivery in business transactions, message exchange between applications, financial and non-financial transactions, and enterprise integration. It facilitates asynchronous communication, data transmission, and serves as a middleware for various integrations. Companies use it across Linux, Windows, and mainframe environments in sectors like banking, retail, and insurance. Its clustering, queue management, and real-time messaging capabilities support vast distributed environments globally.

Service and Support

Many users find IBM MQ's support efficient and satisfying, with quick response times. However, some report delays and inconsistency in the expertise of support staff. Those with established partnerships or direct contacts experience better outcomes. Frequent users mention minor issues often resolve independently through available documentation. While response times for critical issues are generally expected, improvements are desired in non-critical scenarios. Some users suggest faster, more knowledgeable assistance, especially involving complex tasks or troubleshooting.

Deployment

Some found IBM MQ's initial setup straightforward, especially those with prior experience or IBM training. Others noted it could be complex, particularly when configuring advanced features or integrating with diverse environments. While basic installations were often described as easy, complications could arise with more intricate deployments, like active-active clusters or specific integrations. Experience levels varied, but many installations benefited from either internal expertise or IBM's support.

Scalability

Scalability of IBM MQ is praised for its adaptability across environments, high availability, and easy vertical and horizontal scaling. Users highlight its ability to handle significant transaction volumes, although some mention challenges with cloud integration and ease of scaling compared to newer solutions. IBM MQ is positively noted for its flexibility, clustering capabilities, and effectiveness in distributed environments, making it a strong choice for organizations requiring robust scalability options. However, some users face complexity in manual scaling processes.

Stability

Users report that IBM MQ is generally stable with minimal downtime. Many have experienced exceptional reliability, stating MQ runs continuously without significant interruptions. Challenges typically arise from external factors rather than MQ itself. Occasionally, issues related to configuration or environment complexities are mentioned, but these are rare. Despite the need for occasional troubleshooting, MQ's performance remains consistent, earning high praise for its dependability and resilience. Organizations are impressed with its ability to handle large volumes effectively.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our IBM MQ Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business17
Midsize Enterprise16
Large Enterprise115
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business275
Midsize Enterprise192
Large Enterprise1031
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Financial Services Firm
36%
Computer Software Company
11%
Manufacturing Company
7%
Healthcare Company
4%
Government
4%
Retailer
4%
Insurance Company
4%
Transportation Company
3%
Media Company
2%
Educational Organization
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Comms Service Provider
2%
Non Profit
2%
Construction Company
2%
Energy/Utilities Company
2%
University
1%
Real Estate/Law Firm
1%
Hospitality Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Outsourcing Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
Photography Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%

Compare IBM MQ with alternative products

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Learn more about IBM MQ

IBM MQ can be deployed:

  • On-premises
  • In the cloud
  • Hybrid cloud

IBM MQ supports the following APIs:

  • MQI (Message Queue Interface)
  • REST
  • .NET
  • MQTT
  • JMS
  • IBM MQ Light


IBM MQ Features

Some of the most powerful IBM MQ features include:

  • High availability
  • Stability and scalability
  • Flexible deployment options
  • Uniform clusters
  • Automated and intelligent workload balancing
  • Broad language, API, and messaging protocol support
  • Administrative features that simplify messaging management
  • Open standards development tools
  • Simple management tools

IBM MQ Benefits

Some of the benefits of using IBM MQ include:

  • Multi-style messaging: IBM MQ supports simple multi-style messaging, making it easy to connect diverse systems with support for message queuing, transactions, and more.

  • Reduced risk: With IBM MQ you will never lose a message, and messages are never delivered more than once.

  • Cloud-native: Because IBM MQ has a minimal infrastructure, it is suitable to be cloud-native, and therefore has the capability to always remain on.

  • Available anywhere: Using IBM MQ, you have access to secure messaging anywhere, at any time.

  • Secure: IBM MQ makes sure to keep your data safe by using TLS secured communications, providing access identity management, message-level security, and more measures to protect your information.

  • Easy for application programmers: To use IBM MQ, application programmers do not need to have any knowledge of communications programming.

  • Technical support: IBM MQ has a large user community and also provides support 24/7 as needed.

Reviews from Real Users

Below are some reviews and helpful feedback written by IBM MQ users who are currently using the solution.

PeerSpot user Sunil S., a manager at a financial services firm, explains that they never lose messages are never lost in transit, mentioning that he can store messages and forward them as required: "Whenever payments are happening, such as incoming payments to the bank, we need to notify the customer. With MQ we can actually do that asynchronously. We don't want to notify the customer for each and every payment but, rather, more like once a day. That kind of thing can be enabled with the help of MQ."

Another PeerSpot reviewer, Luis L. who is a solutions director at Thesys Technologies, says that IBM MQ is a valuable solution and is "A stable and reliable software that offers good integration between different systems."

The head of operations at a financial services firm notes that "I have found the solution to be very robust. It has a strong reputation, is easy to use, simple to configure in our enterprise software, and supports all the protocols that we use."

In addition, a Software Engineer at a financial services firm praises the security benefits of it and states that “it has the most security features I've seen in a communication solution. Security is the most important thing for our purposes."

IBM MQ was previously known as WebSphere MQ.

IBM MQ customers

Deutsche Bahn, Bon-Ton, WestJet, ARBURG, Northern Territory Government, Tata Steel Europe, Sharp Corporation

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Product Categories

Product Categories
Message Queue (MQ) Software
Business Activity Monitoring
Message Oriented Middleware (MOM)

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IBM MQ Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
SWIFT manager at Raiffeisen Bank Aval4.5We use IBM MQ for payment processing across countries in a stable production environment. It's reliable, well-documented, and secure, though accessing IBM support is challenging. Improvements could include additional features and a graphical interface. Pricing comparisons are unavailable.
Dev lead at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees3.5I use IBM MQ as a reliable middleware solution for our enterprise. Its stability and resilience make it top-notch, though it needs better cloud compatibility. It effectively integrates systems, offering ROI despite lacking direct financial impact.
Software Engineer IV at Royal Cyber Inc.5.0We use IBM MQ for handling large volumes of financial transactions with backend systems, ensuring messages aren't lost. Its reliable message delivery supports revenue generation. I currently find no need for improvements and appreciate the cost savings and ROI.
Vice President - Senior IT Audit Manager at Northern Trust Corporation4.5I primarily use IBM MQ for data transfers and configuring queues within applications. Its most valuable feature is its reliability and strong security. It's still in a research phase, so specific improvements are difficult to suggest.
Senior System Analyst at Thakral4.5I use IBM MQ for secure and reliable message transfers in banking, especially with SWIFT. Its stability and performance are unmatched, though the pricing could be more competitive. Despite its cost, clients often prefer it over alternatives like Kafka.
Information Technology Solution Consultant4.0In the banking industry, I utilize IBM MQ for seamless integration between Mainframes and distributed servers, enhancing application development. Despite its security strengths, I've experienced subpar customer support and haven't compared it closely with other messaging solutions.
Senior Software Test Analyst at CoCre8 Technology Solutions4.0I use IBM MQ with a TELEX module for efficient message transport in the airline industry. It excels in handling high transaction volumes and has proven more reliable than our previous Oracle-based solution, though an updated GUI and AI features would be beneficial.
System Analyst at Walmart3.5I use IBM MQ for asynchronous communication and appreciate its control over queue management and reliability compared to other options. However, it needs better external integration, broader protocol support, and improved logging capabilities with a user-friendly interface.