Resource adapter scoped configuration
A J2C activation specification configuration instance can be created and modified under an installed resource adapter at the cell, node, or server scope. This activation specification configuration is created based on a particular message listener type for the given resource adapter. Valid properties available for configuration are determined by introspection of the ActivationSpec class instance provided with the resource adapter. When created, an ActivationSpec class instance is referenced by its JNDI name. This activation specification configuration is needed during the deployment of a message-driven bean for the resource adapter.
Application-based configuration
Applications with message-driven beans have the option of specifying all, some, or none of the properties needed by the ActivationSpec class. These properties, specified as activation-config properties in the application’s deployment descriptor, are configured when the application is assembled. To change any of these properties requires redeploying the application. These properties are unique to this applications use and are not shared with other message-driven beans. Any properties defined in the application's deployment descriptor take precedence over those defined by the resource adapter-scoped definition. This allows application developers to choose the best defaults for their applications.
Related concepts
J2C activation specification configuration and use
Related reference
WebSphere activation specification optional binding properties