What is new for installers

Installation is now easier, more consistent, and a more functionally rich experience across platforms, installable components, and types of installations.

  • [8.5.5.25 or later]WebSphere® Application Server uses its private key to digitally sign each WebSphere Application Server release. You can use the WebSphere Application Server public key to check the signature, verify that the package was released by IBM, and that it was not modified since its release. Starting in version 8.5.5.25, you can also verify the authenticity of the WebSphere Application Server public key by using a provided certificate (.cer) file. For more information, see Verifying WebSphere Application Server release packages.
  • [8.5.5.22 or later]Version 8.5.5.21 is the last level that supports optional Java 7.0 and 7.1. If these levels of Java are installed, they must be uninstalled before upgrading to version 8.5.5.22 or later.
  • [8.5.5.21 or later]Starting in version 8.5.5.21, you can download WebSphere Application Server for z/OS® as an Installation Manager portable installation, which can be uncompressed and immediately used to start servers. For more information, see Using Installation Manager portable installs on z/OS.
  • [8.5.5.21 or later]Starting in version 8.5.5.21, you can verify the authenticity and integrity of a WebSphere Application Server release package before you install it by using a signature file and the corresponding public key file. For more information, see Verifying WebSphere Application Server release packages
  • [8.5.5.14 or later]Starting in version 8.5.5.14, Java SE 8 is the default Java. When updating to 8.5.5.14, any existing profile that uses Java SDK 6 is replaced by Java SDK 8. You can continue to use Java SDK Java Technology Edition Version 7.0 and Version 7.1, but no service can be provided after the end of support in July 2022, which could expose your environment to security risks.

    For more information on Java SE 6, 7, and 7.1 end of service, see Java SE 6, 7, and 7.1 end of service in WebSphere Application Server V8.5.

    The com.ibm.websphere.IBMJAVA.v80 offering will be deprecated, and no fix packs or interim fixes will be provided for this offering after March 2020. If this offering is installed with WebSphere Application Server Version 8.5.5 after March 2020, uninstall it and switch to the default Java SE 8 SDK provided by the WebSphere Application Server package in the same package group. With the default Java SE 8 SDK, you continue receiving Java SE 8 SDK support, including security updates.

  • Starting in version 8.5.5.11, the default versions of Java are Java SE 6 or Java SE 8. As such, you can accept the default and install either Java SE 6 or Java SE 8 as the version of Java SE contained in the /java and /java64 directories in WebSphere Application Server and used by default during server and node configuration. Java 8 is the recommended Java SDK because it provides the latest features and security updates. You can continue to use Java SE 6, but no service can be provided after the end of support in April 2018, which could expose your environment to security risks.
    Java SE 7 and Java SE 7.1 (not available for Solaris and HP) are also viable options for installing on WebSphere Application Server version 8.5.5.11.
    • The bit level of Java SE 7.0 is based on the bit level selected during the initial installation of WebSphere Application Server. If a 32-bit WebSphere Application Server is installed, then only the 32-bit Java SE 7.0 can be installed. If a 64-bit WebSphere Application Server is installed, then only the 64-bit Java SE 7.0 can be installed.
    • Installing the optional Java SE 7.0 or Java SE 7.1 does not imply that profiles can take advantage of this new version of Java. The managesdk command can be used to switch Java or the WebSphere Application Server administrative console (wsadmin) can be used to make the switch.