Java 5 in WebSphere Message Broker

I’ve been very quiet on this blog so far, due to other commitments. I hope to make more of a contribution from now on. Let’s make a start with a small Broker tip.

A little-known addition that went into fix pack 3 for WebSphere Message Broker (6.0.0.3) is that you can now select a Java 1.5 runtime in which to execute your JavaCompute and Java plugin nodes. You’ll find this mentioned in the Infocenter, under the topic on New function added in V6 fix packs. You don’t have to use the 1.5 JRE – by default, a 1.4.2 JRE is still supplied, but you can switch to the 1.5 JRE if you need to do so.

The way this works is very straightforward. In version 6 of WMB, the environment for the broker components is initialised by script called mqsiprofile - as in previous releases - but this is now extensible. You can add additional scripts to the <workpath>\common\profiles directory – by default, this is C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\IBM\MQSI\common\profiles on Windows (watch out, this might be hidden in Windows Explorer), and /var/mqsi/common/profiles on Linux and UNIX systems. These additional scripts will be executed automatically when the mqsiprofile script is run.

The instructions for enabling support for Java 1.5 differ very slightly depending on the platform:

• On Windows, copy mqsijava15.cmd from the broker <install_dir>\bin directory to the <workpath>\common\profiles directory.
• On Linux and UNIX, copy mqsijava15.sh from the <install_dir>\bin to <workpath>\common\profiles.

Once you’ve copied the script across, you can restart your broker components (having already re-run the mqsiprofile script, if appropriate), and the change should be picked up.

If you do choose to move to the 1.5 JRE, then it would be a good idea to re-test any Java components that you have already developed, to ensure that there are no compatibility issues.

WebSphere ESB 6.0.2 Released

Adrian has already passed on the good news, but WebSphere ESB 6.0.2 has been officially released. See his post for more information on how to get hold of it, along with links explaining what’s new.

On a more personal note, I’m glad to say that I will be moving into a new role next year, working alongside Chris, helping IBMers and WebSphere ESB customers to get the most out of IBM SOA products. I hope this will also allow me to spend more time on this blog. As always, if you’ve any questions or feedback about what we’ve written, please attach them somewhere as a comment (although please bear in mind this is not an official support mechanism; if you’re an IBM customer and need urgent assistance, please raise a PMR instead).

Update 2006-12-25: Please be aware that there are some critical fixes that you should apply after you install or upgrade to WebSphere ESB (or Process Server) 6.0.2. You can find more details here.

Exporting from WebSphere Integration Developer

If you want to export an integration module (module or mediation module) from WebSphere Integration Developer for use elsewhere you have a number of options available which can be accessed by right clicking on the integration module and selecting Export>Integration Module. The option you should choose depends on what you are trying to do. To find out more about which is the best option for you, read on.

Web Services Mindmap

A bit confused by Web Services standards? Well, honestly, so are a lot of folks. But Mårten Gustafson has linked to a mindmap that gives a good overview of pretty much all of them, with plenty of links for more information. A great way to get a big picture view (it certainly isn’t small).

WebSphere Business Services Fabric v6.0

WebSphere Business Services Fabric is a new product from IBM which simplifies the whole approach to building business services. This builds on top of WebSphere Integration Developer, WebSphere Process Server and WebSphere Service Registry and Repository to help customers build industry specific business solutions in an SOA manner. The optional IBM Industry Content Packs include pre-built industry reference models and common services to help facilitate industry standards compliance and help drive the reuse of services.

To find out more about it or to order it, check out the web site.