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IBM WebSphere Application Server vs JBoss comparison

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IBM WebSphere Application Server

Read 26 IBM WebSphere Application Server reviews
4,413 views|3,070 comparisons
90% willing to recommend
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JBoss

Read 23 JBoss reviews
5,550 views|4,782 comparisons
94% willing to recommend
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Buyer's Guide
IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss
March 2024
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between IBM WebSphere Application Server and JBoss based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Application Server solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss Report (Updated: March 2024).
Download the complete report
767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Anonymous User
Researched JBoss but chose IBM WebSphere Application Server: Enterprise-level product with extensive console capabilities, including the ability to control multiple JVM containers
Karamat Ali
Researched IBM WebSphere Application Server but chose JBoss: A flexible and stable solution that is cost-efficient compared to other products
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"The most valuable features are its user-friendliness and reliability in terms of application hosting.""The most valuable feature of this solution is Portal Virtualization.""IBM WebSphere Application Server is the best in terms of scalability and performance, as well as the support for managing distributed transactions.""IBM WebSphere Application Server is one of the best servers due to its stability and paid license.""WebSphere Application Server's best features include the data subscription and connection viewer.""It has good stability of the application server in the long term compared to other solutions.""High availability, alert management, and deployments are the most valuable features for us. We have the ND version so we can do deployments.""Security: It is compatible with the latest Java 8 security features, supports FIPS 140-2 and NIST SP 800-53 with strong ciphers and cryptography keys, and supports TLS 1.2 completely. Also, configuring client and server certificates is relatively easy."

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"JBoss is a scalable tool.""There's good documentation and a pretty good community surrounding the product.""The most valuable feature is the UI.""JBoss's configuration is straightforward and easy.""The high availability is great.""We use JBoss mainly for application deployments and application servers.""The product integrates well with Java applications.""The solution's support is very good for repairing components."

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Cons
"In the next release of this solution, I would like to see support for the Arabic language.""The current trend is to move to Liberty because of the portability of its cloud and its Kubernetes, which containerize the application.""When compared with WebLogic, Weblogic is lighter and consumes less memory.""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.""WebSphere Application Server doesn't have an automated deployment option, forcing us to use third-party tools like Jenkins UCD and Palo Automated Deployment.""IBM WebSphere Application Server hasn't changed much. It's still a heavyweight for any company compared to what you get. Unless your code base is deeply linked with it, I don't think it's a great idea to go with this solution. The current trend is toward modularity and containerization, and given the product's requirements, containerization will be difficult. There is a memory requirement as well.""I think that this is a good product but I think that the cloud environment could be improved. I think that the future is in the utilization of the product in a product as a service way which is something that is lacking at this moment.""Installing or configuring a WAS server instance as a Windows Service causes a lot of problems, especially when the server needs credentials to stop."

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"In general, the support of the ERPC would be really good due to the fact that, so far, I have not seen it.""Logging-related issues in JBoss require improvement.""In terms of monitoring, the old version was somewhat limited in flexibility, lacking the ability to easily adjust configurations.""The solution sometimes crashed and had some compatibility issues with the DevOps JAR file.""JBoss is not as reliable and stable as WebLogic.""The product could be cheaper.""There is not much ability inside of the solution. The world is going beyond different micro and data-type things like Microsoft Office, so we are not seeing much ability within the solution.""The initial setup is a bit complex."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "IBM WAS base is part of the deal when you purchase IBM FileNet P8 Content Engine."
  • "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."
  • "There is an Eclipse Plugin provided by IBM, so no need to buy IBM Rational Application Developer or Rational Software Architect tools."
  • "If your application is just a web app that does not need to scale big, you can obtain a single core license of WAS Express edition, which has almost the same features with limited processing cores. If you manage a very big application farm (i.e. need to run 10 or more WAS servers) it is better to get IBM WAS Hypervisor Edition."
  • "I don't remember the price, but there are no additional costs."
  • "We pay around $200,000 annually."
  • "The price of this product is higher than that of competitors."
  • "We used to pay about $100,000-$120,000 US or somewhere around there. That was a bit cost-prohibitive for us to continue."

    • More IBM WebSphere Application Server Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "We pay for a maintenance license, but it is not expensive."
  • "The solution is cost-efficient compared to other products. Pricing is rated an eight out of ten."
  • "Since the solution is freeware, our customers don't need to pay any licensing fees."
  • "Despite the price increase after being acquired by IBM, JBoss still maintains its competitiveness. The package provided is more geared towards cloud-based deployments, whereas our setup is more traditional, which makes it slightly more expensive for us. As most vendors are transitioning towards cloud-centric solutions, companies like ours need to adapt accordingly."
  • "It is an open-source solution."
  • "There is no licensing cost. The solution is free to use."
  • "JBoss is an expensive solution."
  • "The pricing of JBoss is more reasonable than that of WebLogic."

    • More JBoss Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    What do you like most about IBM WebSphere Application Server?
    Top Answer:The VPN service is quite useful.
    Read all 20 answers   →
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM WebSphere App...
    Top Answer:The pricing is a little expensive. I would rate the pricing a four out of ten.
    Read all 15 answers   →
    What needs improvement with IBM WebSphere Application Server?
    Top Answer:Sometimes, I feel WebSphere runs a bit slow. It might be loading unnecessary libraries, impacting its performance compared to other application servers. So, better performance is my main request.
    Read all 20 answers   →
    What do you like most about JBoss?
    Top Answer:The tool's most beneficial feature is its scalability. People with limited technical knowledge can quickly grasp its functions with a brief introduction. The tool's ease of use makes it a… more »
    Read all 15 answers   →
    What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for JBoss?
    Top Answer:Licensing costs are always debatable. While there are free, open-source alternatives like Java EE and WildFly, they lack the support and reliability of a paid, certified product like JBoss. With… more »
    Read all 11 answers   →
    What needs improvement with JBoss?
    Top Answer:The tool's documentation could be improved to explain its usage and functionalities clearly. Having accessible documentation would save time for leaders like me when juniors seek information about it… more »
    Read all 15 answers   →
    Ranking
    5th
    out of 20 in Application Server
    Views
    4,413
    Comparisons
    3,070
    Reviews
    7
    Average Words per Review
    363
    Rating
    7.4
    3rd
    out of 20 in Application Server
    Views
    5,550
    Comparisons
    4,782
    Reviews
    11
    Average Words per Review
    349
    Rating
    8.5
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    WebSphere Application Server
    Learn More
    IBM
    Red Hat
    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.”

    Red Hat JBoss Enterprise Application Platform (EAP), a market-leading, fully certified Java EE platform, gives you a single platform to quickly develop and deploy applications. Use traditional Red Hat JBoss EAP to gain business agility with your existing applications and reduce the costs of proprietary platforms.
    Sample Customers
    TalkTalk, Property management group, E.SUN Bank, Ohio National Financial Services, Aviarc, Cincom Systems, FJA-US, D+H, Staples, Michigan Municipal League
    Tata Sky, Nissan, Swedish Board of Agriculture, Novamedia, American Product Distributors, Advanced Micro Devices, Emirates Group, E*TRADE
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm30%
    Computer Software Company26%
    Government13%
    Insurance Company9%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm29%
    Computer Software Company13%
    Insurance Company7%
    Government7%
    REVIEWERS
    Computer Software Company53%
    Transportation Company12%
    Comms Service Provider12%
    Financial Services Firm12%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Financial Services Firm24%
    Computer Software Company14%
    Government8%
    Manufacturing Company7%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business22%
    Midsize Enterprise9%
    Large Enterprise69%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise11%
    Large Enterprise74%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise9%
    Large Enterprise64%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business15%
    Midsize Enterprise12%
    Large Enterprise72%
    Buyer's Guide
    IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss
    March 2024
    Free Report: IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss
    Find out what your peers are saying about IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
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    767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    IBM WebSphere Application Server is ranked 5th in Application Server with 26 reviews while JBoss is ranked 3rd in Application Server with 23 reviews. IBM WebSphere Application Server is rated 7.8, while JBoss is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of IBM WebSphere Application Server writes "Compatible, stable, and scalable". On the other hand, the top reviewer of JBoss writes "A flexible and stable solution that is cost-efficient compared to other products". IBM WebSphere Application Server is most compared with JBoss Enterprise Application Platform, Tomcat, Oracle WebLogic Server, IBM BPM and HCL Digital Experience, whereas JBoss is most compared with Tomcat, Oracle WebLogic Server, IIS, Oracle GlassFish and TmaxSoft JEUS. See our IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. JBoss report.

    See our list of best Application Server vendors.

    We monitor all Application Server reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.