News

IBM Unveils Apache Geronimo-Based Software and Support

• By Stephen Swoyer
• October 25, 2005

IBM on Tuesday announced new open-source software and support, based on core technology from the J2EE-certified Apache Geronimo application server. Called WebSphere Application Server Community Edition (WAS CE), the software provides mid-sized businesses, departments in large enterprises and business partners with easy access to open-source technologies with no upfront costs, IBM says.

The software, which includes technology from Gluecode Software, which IBM acquired in May, is a customizable app server that features a small footprint, making it easier to download and manage, IBM says.

WAS CE and related subscription support provide a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional commercial software offerings and can help customers begin to deploy an SOA, according to IBM.

The new open-source software helps Java developers reduce the complexity of app dev by pre-integrating the most common services for building applications. It offers customers the choice of a blended commercial offering that provides the innovation of open source as well as greater stability and higher levels of support that comes from IBM, the company says. The new software supports Apache Tomcat, an industry-standard Web server also from the Apache Software Foundation. It will also integrate IBM's Cloudscape database, which is based on the Apache Derby Project.

There is no cost for customers to download and use WAS CE. IBM also is introducing a line of WAS CE support services starting at $900 per server for an annual subscription for customers that want technical support. Support includes a service that allows development teams to obtain support directly from IBM developers to resolve problems using WAS CE.

WAS CE will be available later this year, IBM says.