What this book covers

Chapter 1, WebSphere Application Server 8 Product Overview covers the new capabilities of WebSphere and provides an overview of the underlying WAS architecture and how it relates to JEE 6. Explanations of important WAS concepts and terminology are also covered.

Chapter 2, Installing WebSphere Application Server covers how to plan and prepare your WAS installation, and shows how to manually install WebSphere using the graphical installer, and how to use a response file for automated silent installation. The fundamentals of application server profiles are described and the administrative console is introduced. In this chapter we also introduce the IBM Installation Manager which is new to WAS 8 and facilitates the management of WAS installations.

Chapter 3, Deploying your Applications explains the make-up of Enterprise Archive (EAR) files, how to manually deploy applications, and how the Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) is used in the configuration of resources. Connecting to databases is explained via the configuration of Java Database Connectivity (JDBC) drivers and data sources used in the deployment of data-aware applications. This chapter also covers how to use managed deployments, a new feature of WebSphere 8 that allows applications to be deployed using monitored folders.

Chapter 4, Security demonstrates the implementation of global security and how to federate Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and file-based registries for managing WAS security. Roles are explained, where users and groups can be assigned different administrative capabilities. Security domains and SSL configurations are also explained.

Chapter 5, Administrative Scripting introduces ws_ant, a utility for using Apache Ant build scripts to deploy and configure applications. Advanced administrative scripting is demonstrated by using the wsadmin tool with Jython scripts, covering how WAS configuration and application deployments can be automated using the extensive WAS Jython scripting objects.

Chapter 6, Server Configuration explains the WAS installation structure and key XML files, which make up the underlying WAS configuration repository. Logging is covered showing the types of log files and log settings which are vital for administration. Also included in this chapter is the new feature of WAS 8, known as High Performance Extensible Logging (HPEL), which provides an efficient binary file approach to logging. Application server Java Virtual Machine JVM settings and class loading are also explained.

Chapter 7, WebSphere Messaging explains basic Java Message Service (JMS) messaging concepts, and demonstrates both JMS messaging using the default messaging provider and WebSphere Message Queuing (MQ) along with explanations of message types. Use of Queue Connection Factories, Queues, and Queue Destinations are demonstrated via a sample application. MQ Link is explained, demonstrating how to connect WAS to foreign WebSphere MQ networks. The new WAS 8 feature of disabling WebSphere MQ process is also covered in this chapter.

Chapter 8, Monitoring and Tuning shows how to use Tivoli Performance Monitor (TPV), request metrics, and JVM tuning settings to help you improve WAS performance and monitor the running state of your deployed applications. Analysis of Java heap and core dumps is also explained.

Chapter 9, Administrative Features covers how to enable the administrative agent for administering multiple application servers with a central administrative console. The IBM HTTP Server and the WebSphere plug-in are explained along with how to implement SSL between the IBM HTTP Server, the WebSphere plug-in and the WebSphere Application Server.

Chapter 10, Administration Tools demonstrates some of the command line utilities vital to the WebSphere administrator for debugging and problem resolution. Also in the chapter the IBM Support Assistant (ISA) is introduced and an example given on how to analyze WAS log files, using one of the many ISA add-ons.

Chapter 11, Product Maintenance shows how to maintain your WebSphere Application Server by keeping it up-to-date with the latest fix packs and feature packs. Locating the fix pack on IBM's web and the process of how to download the latest fix packs is covered. Backing up WebSphere configurations is also explained.