This topic highlights what is new or changed in Version 6.0.x for users who plan to install, upgrade, or migrate the product, including coexistence and interoperability concerns.
The biggest improvement to
installation is that now you can install one copy of the core files (binary
system files and such) on a machine, then use profiles to define multiple
application server runtime environments -- each with its own administrative
interfaces -- that share the core files. This has many positive ramifications
for preparing, installing, maintaining, and removing installations, including
a decreased footprint.
Another big change is the introduction of separate installation routines for the application server product, the Web server, the Web server plug-ins, and the clients so that you can install only what you need on a particular machine.
IPv6 support and considerations | This product version introduces selective support for Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6). IPv6 is the next evolution in Internet Protocol beyond the IPv4 standard currently in use in most networks today. The key IPv6 enhancement is the expansion of the IP address space from 32 bits to 128 bits, enabling virtually unlimited IP addresses. This addressing capability, along with new functions enabling end-to-end security, improved mobility support, simplified address configuration and management, make IPv6 a critical component in the evolution of e-business and the next generation internet. For details about IPv6 support, see the support document Restrictions for IPv6-only and IPv4/IPv6 mixed-mode dual stack support. See also the following Web pages:
|
Redesigned launchpad to plan and start installation | A redesigned launchpad on the product CD launches one of the installation programs. See Using the launchpad to start the installation. The launchpad also provides product solution roadmap diagrams to let you decide on the fly what to install where. Now you can launch the installation of the developer toolset from the launchpad. Note to zLinux users: Even though the launchpad links are present, the WebSphere Application Server Application Client is not supported on the zLinux platform. See also the TechNote documenting this limitation. |
Install only what you need | New, more granular installation procedures simplify installation
and improve installation reliability. Installation routines exist for the
following components on the product disc.
|
Installing WebSphere Application Server products | IBM WebSphere Application Server - Express, Version 6.0.x is an integrated platform that contains an application server, Web development tools, a Web server, and additional supporting software and documentation. Version 6 installs the core product files and a stand-alone application server in a profile named default. For
more information, see:
|
Installing IBM HTTP Server | The installation wizard for IBM HTTP Server is redesigned for Version 6.0.x. At the end of the Web server installation, launch the new Plug-ins installation wizard to configure the IBM HTTP Server and the application server. |
Installing WebSphere Application Server clients | A client application might have a graphical user interface (GUI) part that runs on a distributed client machine, and other parts that process data on a host WebSphere Application Server system. The Clients installation wizard installs environments for running client applications on the distributed client machine. Some environments perform all necessary handshaking and protocol. Thin client environments require client applications to have their own protocols for such things as JNDI lookups. See Installing Application Client for WebSphere Application Server. |
The product installation root has changed | The installation root varies by operating system, as before, but now includes IBM in the path. The installation root is the same for all three product editions now -- there is no longer a separate installation root for the Network Deployment product edition. The installation
root is now:
Additional directory structure changes are introduced, as described in New: Improved installation and configuration, with profiles. |
Improved installation documentation | New installation documentation on the product disc helps you retrieve relevant information. For an overview of the installation section, see Overview and new features for installing an application serving environment. |
Simplified setup and prerequisites | Redesigned product features simplify operating system setup and reduce prerequisite requirements. For details, see Preparing the operating system for product installation and Hardware and software requirements. |
Smaller footprint | A redesigned installer simplifies the installation of the core product files for WebSphere Application Server products. You do not have to install the core product files multiple times to create multiple standalone application servers. Instead, use the new Profile creation wizard to create an application server runtime environment that has its own administrative interface. |
Simplified service | The installation program installs the system files (shared binary files), which you do not update until you install a service fix. Creation and configuration of application servers do not change the system files. The Applying service topic describes how to use the IBM Update Installer for WebSphere Software to install interim fixes, fix packs, and refresh packs. |
Easier removal and reinstallation | Removal and reinstallation of application server environments is simplified and faster. Application server environments are much easier to install and much easier to uninstall than in Version 5. Uninstalling an application server does not change the shared system files of the base WebSphere Application Server product. In Version 5, some scenarios required uninstalling all traces of the product to produce a clean machine, which then allowed you to reinstall the product. In Version 6.0.x, that is a thing of the past. Application servers uninstall cleanly, almost effortlessly. |
Better indicators of installation status | Improved logging and status indicators let you easily determine the success or failure of an installation. |
Silent installation requires license acceptance | You now must set the License Acceptance property to "true" in the silent installation response file. The property is silentInstallLicenseAcceptance.value, which is described further in responsefile.express.txt. |
New migration wizard | A new migration wizard collects data for the migration command line tools. The wizard also monitors and reports migration status. Note that the installation program no longer performs the migration. See Using the Migration wizard for additional information. |
Related tasks
Using the launchpad to start the installation
Using the Profile creation wizard
Installing IBM HTTP Server
Installing Web server plug-ins
Installing Application Client for WebSphere Application Server
Related information
wasprofile command
What is new in this release