Choosing the right type of cache

Select the optimal cache type for your IBM App Connect Enterprise integration flows based on performance requirements, data scope, and availability needs. Choose from local cache, embedded global cache, external Redis global cache, embedded WebSphere® eXtreme Scale (WXS) grid, external WebSphere eXtreme Scale grid, or flow-scoped options like environment tree and long-lived variables.

Quick selection guidance

Use the following guidance to choose the appropriate storage option:

For single‑server scenarios with simple lookups, use Local cache.
For multiple servers that require high availability, use Embedded global cache.
For enterprise‑wide data sharing, use External Redis global cache.
For temporary flow data, use Environment tree.
For flow‑scoped persistent data, use Long-lived variables.

Decision factors

When you select a cache approach, consider the following factors:

Data Scope: Determine whether the data must be shared across multiple integration servers.
Persistence: Identify whether the data must survive server restarts.
Performance: Assess the latency and throughput requirements for your workload.
Administration: Decide whether you require centralized cache management.
Environment: Confirm whether you are deploying in container environments or traditional servers.

Deprecated technologies (do not use for new deployments)

Embedded and external WXS options are deprecated from App Connect Enterprise 13.0.3.0 onward, require Java 8, and are not supported in containerized environments. Plan to migrate to embedded global cache or external Redis global cache.

Comparison of App Connect Enterprise cache options

The following table provides an overview of different cache types, including where to access variables, their maximum lifetime, scope, administration, and any limitations.

Table 1. App Connect Enterprise cache types
Cache type	Access variables through	Maximum variable lifetime	Variable scope	Administration	Limitations
Environment tree	ESQL/Mapping/Java	Flow run	Flow	Not applicable	Data is not shared between flow instances or messages.
Long-lived variables	ESQL	Until the flow is restarted (has its configuration changed).	Flow (or specific node within a flow)	Not applicable	ESQL-only access; lost on flow redeployment.
Local cache	Java	Integration server	Integration server	Not applicable	Available in App Connect Enterprise version 12.0.4.0 or higher.
Embedded global cache	Java/Mapping	Until all participating integration servers are down simultaneously.	Participating integration servers	`server.conf.yaml` ibmint display cache command ibmint clear cache command	Available in App Connect Enterprise version 13.0.3.0 or higher.
External Redis global cache	Java/Mapping	Depends on the external Redis configuration.	Beyond App Connect Enterprise	External Redis admin `server.conf.yaml`	Available in App Connect Enterprise version 13.0.3.0 or higher.
Embedded WebSphere eXtreme Scale grid (deprecated)	Java/Mapping	Until all participating integration servers are down simultaneously.	Participating integration servers	`server.conf.yaml` mqsicacheadmin command	Integration servers must have Java™ 8 specified. Deprecated from App Connect Enterprise version 13.0.3.0 onward. Not supported for containerized environments.
External WebSphere eXtreme Scale grid (deprecated)	Java/Mapping	Depends on the external WXS configuration.	Beyond App Connect Enterprise	External WXS admin `server.conf.yaml`	Integration servers must have Java 8 specified. Deprecated from App Connect Enterprise version 13.0.3.0 onward.