This IBM® Redguide™ publication provides a framework for evaluating whether open source application server software is appropriate for your company. It begins with an overview of the philosophy and methodology inherent in open source software development, and highlights the potential benefits and pitfalls of incorporating this model in your organization. The IBM WebSphere® Application Server offerings, which range from an open source version to top of the line commercial solutions, are described and compared. Finally, some guidelines are provided to help you match your business requirements to the most appropriate and valuable technology.

Executive overview

Introduction to open source software

WebSphere Application Servers (Community and commercial versions)

Comparing the IBM WebSphere Application Server family to open source solutions

Reach customers in new ways with application innovation

Reduce costs with efficient management

Summarizing the benefits of WebSphere

Questions and considerations to explore OSS usage

Summary