[IBM i]

IBM i prerequisites

Before you install WebSphere® Application Server, verify that your hardware and software meet the minimum requirements.

Hardware requirements

Overall system requirements vary based on actual workload requirements. Systems that do not meet the recommended minimums can be used in environments that support a limited number of users and where longer server initialization times are acceptable. Use the IBM® Systems Workload Estimator for sizing assistance.

The recommended hardware minimum requirements include requirements for the server and the disk:
  • Minimum server requirements:
    • Recommended minimum server models:
      • WebSphere requires a partition with a minimum of 600 CPW
      • WebSphere applications can benefit from the addition of an Accelerator Feature on models where this feature is available
      • Each active WebSphere profile requires a minimum of 1 GB of memory
    • Any partition that is running WebSphere Application Server must have a minimum of 2 GB of memory. This memory requirement is in addition to memory required for any other applications that are running on your IBM i server.

    These requirements are based on a single WebSphere Application Server profile. Extra profiles that run concurrently require extra resources.

    These requirements represent the recommended minimum requirements. Deployments that must support many users or require shorter response times might require more resources.

  • Disk requirements:
    Table 1. Disk requirements.

    This table describes WebSphere Application Server for IBM i disk requirements.
    Installation option Description Disk space after installation
    WebSphere Application Server WebSphere Application Server run time 910 MB
    Application Server Samples Sample applications 90 MB
    Application Client Client development and run time 230 MB
    Web Server Plug-ins Web Server Plug-ins 100 MB

IBM i software requirements

The following software is required:

  • IBM i Version X Release Y (VXRY):

    WebSphere Application Server is supported on IBM i Version 7 Release 4 (V7R4). The IBM i server must be in an unrestricted state, and your user profile must have *ALLOBJ and *SECADM special authorities. The minimum recommended version of WebSphere Application Server 8.5 is 8.5.5.15 or later. The minimum required version is 8.5.5.9.

  • Java™ requirements:

    The following Java products are required to use or install WebSphere Application Server Version 8.5:

    • Java SE 8 32 bit (5770-JV1 option 16)
    • Java SE 8 64 bit (5770-JV1 option 17)

    Update all existing profiles that use Java SDK 6 or Java SDK 7 to use Java SDK 8. For instructions to update your existing WebSphere Application Server profiles to use Java SE 8, see the IBM i documentation.

  • IBM i Qshell (5770-SS1 option 30):

    Required to run installation scripts and to use other scripts in WebSphere Application Server.

  • IBM i Extended Base Directory Support (5770-SS1 option 3):

    Required for installation.

  • IBM i Portable Application Solutions Environment (5770-SS1 option 33):

    Required to use Tivoli® Performance Viewer. Required for Java SE 8 32 bit (5770-JV1 option 16) and Java SE 8 64 bit (5770-JV1 option 17)

  • IBM i Host Servers (5770-SS1 option 12):

    Required for installation.

  • IBM i Digital Certificate Manager (5770-SS1 option 34):

    Required for installation to use Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol.

  • All necessary fixes:

    For a list of current fixes, see IBM i Support and click PTFs.

IBM i optional software

The following optional software is available:
  • HTTP server:

    An HTTP server is not required for installation, but recommended for production environments that use servlets and JSP files. If you plan to deploy only enterprise beans, you do not need an HTTP server instance. The WebSphere Application Server WebServer Plug-in supports both Apache HTTP Servers and Domino based web servers on IBM i

  • DB2® Query Manager and SQL Development Kit for i (5770-ST1):

    The DB2 Query Manager and SQL Development Kit for i help you develop client applications.

Next, see Workstation prerequisites.