How To Pick The Right Java Application Server For Your Project?
A recent announcement of an enterprise deploying several internal web applications on SpringSource tc Server got me thinking about how the business would have evaluated competing solutions and then decided to go with a server like the Tomcat based SpringSource tc Server? Would it have been decision based on facts or based more of gut feel & comfort level with the vendor?
From my own experience & from what I hear, there seems to be no standard or even commonly used technique for choosing an application server. Most architects seem to go with gut feel & their own comfort level.
Is this how it works in your organization? Add a comment below about how you decide which application server to use. Do you go with Glassfish or JBoss because you prefer open source? Do you use the Oracle App Server as staying with Oracle seems smarter/safer in the long run? Do you just go with your gut feel or tradition in your company and pick IBM Websphere ?
I appreciate that there would be many reasons & causes that would go into your decision but usually there’s one key factor that lead to the decision. List that one top reason, ideally with a one line explanation and we will create a ready reference for anyone looking for a guide to decide which Java EE application server to use.
While I have listed what the vendors claim at striking & unique features, you will see a lot of repetition there. So as stated in the post, it often comes down to 1 or 2 key facts / features that decide which server to use. True?
Glassfish Lists Following Features & Benefits
Runs dynamic languages, Enterprise Manager , Support for Sun Java Developer Kit (JDK) 5 ,
Rapid iterative development features , Clustering for scalability and high availability ,
Breakthrough performance , * GlassFish claims to be the fastest open-source application server, surpassing the industry's leading application servers, Open-source foundation ,
Integrated development support, .NET 3.0 Web services interoperability, Improves developer productivity
– http://j.mp/aGQRSG
JBoss Application Server claims to be the #1 most widely used Java application server on the market.
Lists Features As – Built for Standards and Interoperability, Enterprise Java Beans and Java Persistence support, JBoss Seam Framework and Web Application Services,Caching, Clustering, and High Availability,Security Services,Web Services and Interoperability, Integration and Messaging Services, Embeddable, Service-Oriented Architecture,Consistent Manageability
– http://j.mp/dpKcKv
IBM WebSphere Application Server claims to provide the “availability and security your business depends on while optimizing cost”. Highlighted features are Simplified Development,
High Performance, Rock-solid Security, Intelligent Management- Anticipate and adjust to mission critical issues. & Investment Protection
– http://j.mp/bHojtp
Oracle Weblogic Application Server claims to be the No 1 Application Server based on these factors – Rock-solid dependability, Unparalleled manageability, Extreme scalability, Adaptive management automation, Deterministic, real-time performance, Leading platform for SOA, Agile application security, Foundation for application grid
– http://j.mp/dajK3e
Will add what the top servers claim to be their top features. SpringSource tc Server says –
Good Server Administration Capability, Good Application Management, Advanced Diagnostics, and Enterprise grade Support as their distinguishing features
– http://www.springsource.com/products/tcserver