IBM WebSphere Application Server vs Oracle Fusion Middleware comparison

IBM and Oracle are both solutions in the Application Server category. IBM is ranked #5 with an average rating of 7.8, while Oracle is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.3. IBM holds a 12.8% mindshare in AppS, compared to Oracle’s 5.5% mindshare. Additionally, 88% of IBM users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 88% of Oracle users who would recommend it.

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Read 31 IBM WebSphere Application Server reviews

2,627 Views
1,916 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

Oracle Fusion Middleware

Read 16 Oracle Fusion Middleware reviews

1,575 Views
837 Comparison Views

88% willing to recommend

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Oracle Fusion Middleware

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Feb 2, 2025

IBM WebSphere Application Server and Oracle Fusion Middleware are significant players in the enterprise application server market. IBM WebSphere may have an edge in support and pricing, while Oracle Fusion Middleware excels with a comprehensive feature set appealing to those emphasizing functionality.

Features: IBM WebSphere Application Server is recognized for scalability, security, and robust performance, particularly in high-reliability environments. It suits organizations needing a flexible and secure server platform. Oracle Fusion Middleware stands out with wide-ranging features and strong integration capabilities, ideal for businesses requiring seamless application connectivity.

Room for Improvement: IBM WebSphere could enhance its usability for small-scale deployments and simplify integration with non-IBM products. Also, improving its user interface could benefit less technical users. Oracle Fusion Middleware might reduce the complexity of deployment procedures and offer more competitive pricing. Additionally, simplifying its vast feature set could ease navigation for new users.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Oracle Fusion Middleware provides solutions to ease integration with existing systems but can present deployment complexities, benefiting from formal support. IBM WebSphere offers strong technical support with tools that decrease deployment time, aiding in efficient troubleshooting and customer service.

Pricing and ROI: IBM WebSphere is known for a cost-effective pricing model that attracts cost-sensitive businesses without compromising server functionalities. Conversely, Oracle Fusion Middleware, with higher initial costs, promises considerable long-term ROI due to its rich feature suite for those investing in comprehensive solutions.

To learn more, read our detailed IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware Report (Updated: April 2025).

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware

April 2025

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

IBM WebSphere Application S...

Ranking in Application Server

5th

Average Rating

7.6

Reviews Sentiment

6.8

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Infrastructure (5th)

Oracle Fusion Middleware

Ranking in Application Server

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2025, in the Application Server category, the mindshare of IBM WebSphere Application Server is 12.8%, up from 11.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Oracle Fusion Middleware is 5.5%, up from 5.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Server

Featured Reviews

BharathirajaSukumar

Senior Lead Analyst at Radial

Efficient load balancing and the clustering, achieved by using the deployment manager, is valuable

I believe that the system is already good. However, for improvement or enhancement, it is user-friendly, but it could offer better choices on the front end for different aspects or options. Sometimes, I have to search extensively for features, as there are no upfront tabs. There is a lack of visible, easy, user-friendly, and straightforward options for the number of features.

Read full review

Sai Kri

Assistant Manager Business Applications at NMC Healthcare

Migration to a modern interface enhances AI integration and cloud capabilities

Presently, Oracle recommends migrating to Oracle Fusion since it's a hot product now. e-Business Suite may soon be sunsetted and has an outdated UI, with few upgrades. In contrast, Oracle Fusion offers modern features, such as AI, cloud-based applications, and customization options like Redwood features. Oracle Fusion AI chatbots are embedded, benefiting projects.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"IBM WebSphere Application Server is easy to use."

"The most valuable features are its user-friendliness and reliability in terms of application hosting."

"Network Deployment is the most useful feature for scalability. It has many features within the standard WebSphere Application Server edition."

"IBM WAS is the backbone for our enterprise content management suite which delivers the primary processes for our customers. Without a good application server, it would be hard to provide a secure layer of midddleware upon which the other applications run. IBM WAS improves the stability of the entire solution and provides a high quality platform for running web-based solutions."

"The solution has good performance."

"High availability, alert management, and deployments are the most valuable features for us. We have the ND version so we can do deployments."

"This solution is easy to use with a GUI that is intuitive and very helpful."

"IBM WebSphere Application Server is the best in terms of scalability and performance, as well as the support for managing distributed transactions."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pros

"It is really good in terms of features, and it is stable."

"The most valuable feature is the structure of the product. We use Oracle Fusion Middleware to manage the Oracle database. Registered users can go to each product if sign-on credentials match each user's identical framework."

"I rate my overall experience with Oracle Fusion Middleware as nine out of ten points."

"The solution is extendable so you can start with two cores and add more at any time."

"The initial setup is easy. There are many self-tutorial videos are on the Internet, and then the Oracle documents are self-explanatory."

"The most valuable features are the pre-built connectors between Oracle applications, which allow quick integration. I also appreciate the fast deployment of components. Oracle Fusion Middleware's key benefit is enabling real-time data transfer between applications."

"Fusion Middleware's main feature for me is that it is quite flexible, and, as middleware, it provides us with all sorts of technology and application adapters, which makes it very handy to use."

"Oracle Service Bus is the most valuable feature of the solution."

More Oracle Fusion Middleware pros

Cons

"The availability of the solution needs improvement."

"The current trend is to move to Liberty because of the portability of its cloud and its Kubernetes, which containerize the application."

"The main issue we faced was its limited compatibility with non-Java technologies, which can result in difficulty detecting potential bugs and requiring additional integration efforts."

"What could be improved in IBM WebSphere Application Server is its interconnection with other products, for example, Kafka. What I'd like to see in the next release of the solution is a better graphical user interface."

"The security could be better."

"The solution consumes hardware."

"When compared with WebLogic, Weblogic is lighter and consumes less memory."

"The installation has room for improvement."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server cons

"The solution's technical support needs to be improved."

"I would rate the stability a nine out of ten because we did have multiple breakdowns and crashes."

"Oracle rapidly releases new features, and I may not be ready to adopt them."

"Oracle Fusion Middleware is based on the regulations in Saudi Arabia and the legislation changes. There is a need to be improvements all the time. It needs to adapt quickly in this market. Additionally, there could be some improvements in the construction sector."

"The product should improve BPEL features."

"Technical support should resolve issues more quickly."

"Oracle rapidly releases new features, and I may not be ready to adopt them."

"All areas of HCM modules could use some improvement."

More Oracle Fusion Middleware cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"IBM WAS base is part of the deal when you purchase IBM FileNet P8 Content Engine."

"It costs more than some of the others, but, you get what you pay for."

"We used to pay about $100,000-$120,000 US or somewhere around there. That was a bit cost-prohibitive for us to continue."

"My company is on a perpetual or permanent license agreement with IBM WebSphere Application Server. There's also a pay-per-use option, but customers rarely choose that option. Most of the customers are on the perpetual license deal that's all-inclusive. As the license cost is quite expensive, I'm rating it two out of five."

"The licensing cost is 1,000 of euros for a 30-year table."

"The pricing is a little expensive."

"There is an Eclipse Plugin provided by IBM, so no need to buy IBM Rational Application Developer or Rational Software Architect tools."

"It is very expensive."

More IBM WebSphere Application Server pricing and cost advice

"The solution is expensive so pricing is rated a six out of ten."

"It is expensive. We are looking for a cheaper solution."

"We pay annually for the solution."

"The tool is best suited for large companies due to high licensing costs."

"The pricing is moderate. It's fine."

"The licensing costs are reasonable."

"The solution is quite expensive so is only used by larger organizations."

"My advice is to buy the basic modules first, gain the most benefit from them, then buy the advanced modules."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

32%

Computer Software Company

14%

Insurance Company

Manufacturing Company

Educational Organization

44%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about IBM WebSphere Application Server?

Network Deployment is the most useful feature for scalability. It has many features within the standard WebSphere Application Server edition.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for IBM WebSphere Application Server?

In Korea, when you buy IBM iOS, the WebSphere base version is included with iOS. That means no additional cost.

See all answers

What needs improvement with IBM WebSphere Application Server?

I find the server okay, however, using the Maker instance, the Moving instance, and the Change instance is a little bit complicated without WebSphere knowledge.

See all answers

What do you like most about Oracle Fusion Middleware?

The most valuable features are Oracle Unified Directory and unified identity access management.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Oracle Fusion Middleware?

Oracle Fusion Middleware is generally expensive, although I'm not directly involved with the licensing aspects.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Oracle Fusion Middleware?

There could be improvements in the installation and integration parts of Oracle Fusion Middleware. The guides often have errors, such as web scripting issues, and can be difficult to follow. With m...

See all answers

Comparisons

JBoss Enterprise Application Platform vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 26% of the time

JBoss vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 23% of the time

Tomcat vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 17% of the time

Oracle WebLogic Server vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 8% of the time

NGINX Plus vs IBM WebSphere Application Server

Compared 2% of the time

More IBM WebSphere Application Server Competitors

Oracle WebLogic Server vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 75% of the time

JBoss vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 8% of the time

Tomcat vs Oracle Fusion Middleware

Compared 8% of the time

More Oracle Fusion Middleware Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server

May 2025

Download IBM WebSphere Application Server product report

Buyer's Guide

Oracle Fusion Middleware

May 2025

Download Oracle Fusion Middleware product report

Also Known As

WebSphere Application Server

No data available

Overview

IBM WebSphere Application Server (WAS) is a middleware platform developed by IBM. It provides a range of services and tools to help organizations develop, deploy, and manage Java-based applications. WAS is part of IBM's WebSphere product family and provides a secure, scalable, and highly available platform for developing and running web-based applications. WAS provides a secure, scalable, and highly available platform, making it an attractive solution for organizations looking to develop and deploy enterprise-grade applications.

IBM WebSphere Application Server Features

IBM WebSphere Application Server has many valuable key features. Some of the most useful ones include:

Application deployment: IBM WAS enables organizations to deploy and manage applications in a secure and scalable environment.

Clustering: The clustering feature can help organizations ensure high availability and improve application performance.

Load balancing: The solution Includes load balancing capabilities to distribute application workloads and improve performance.

Security: IBM WAS offers a range of security features, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, to help organizations secure their applications and data.

Monitoring and management: The solution’s range of tools for monitoring and managing applications, including the IBM WebSphere Administrative Console allows organizations to optimize application performance and resolve issues easily.

Integration: IBM WAS integrates with a range of IBM and third-party products, including IBM WebSphere MQ, IBM DB2, and more, to provide a comprehensive platform for developing and running web-based applications.

IBM WebSphere Application Server Benefits

There are many benefits to implementing IBM WebSphere Application Server. Some of the biggest advantages the solution offers include:

Improved application performance: The IBM WAS platform offers a scalable and secure platform for deploying and managing applications, enabling organizations to improve application performance and reduce downtime.

High availability: IBM WAS provides clustering and load-balancing capabilities to help organizations ensure high availability.

Improved security: With a large range of security features, including authentication, authorization, and encryption, the solution helps organizations secure their applications and data.

Simplified management: IBM WAS is designed with a set of tools for monitoring and managing applications, enabling organizations to optimize performance and resolve issues efficiently.

Increased flexibility: The solution integrates with a range of IBM and third-party products, providing organizations with a flexible platform for developing and running web-based applications.

Improved developer productivity: It supports the latest Java EE specifications, allowing developers to use the latest technologies and development methodologies when building applications.

Better customer experience: Organizations can deliver faster and more reliable applications, improving the overall customer experience.

Scalability: IBM WAS provides a scalable and secure platform for deploying and managing applications, so organizations can quickly respond to changing business requirements.

Reviews from Real Users

IBM WebSphere Application Server is a solution that stands out when compared to many of its competitors. Some of its major advantages are that it is stable, supports many languages, and is resilient.

Princewill O., Head Banking Application Customization and Reporting at a financial services firm, states, “[The solution is] very stable, supports many languages, and helpful for faster time to market.”

"What's most valuable in IBM WebSphere Application Server is its resilience. When you use the solution, you know that after the communication has been done, there will be no doubt that the data has reached its destination,” says Nicolae C., System and Solutions Architect at Seidor.

Another PeerSpot reviewer, an Enterprise Technical Leader at a tech services company mentions, “[It is an] enterprise-level product with extensive console capabilities, including the ability to control multiple JVM containers.”

IBM

Oracle Fusion Middleware is the digital business platform for the enterprise and the cloud. It enables enterprises to create and run agile, intelligent business applications while maximizing IT efficiency through full utilization of modern hardware and software architectures.

Oracle

Sample Customers

TalkTalk, Property management group, E.SUN Bank, Ohio National Financial Services, Aviarc, Cincom Systems, FJA-US, D+H, Staples, Michigan Municipal League

Police Department of Izmir City

Buyer's Guide

IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware

April 2025

Free Report: IBM WebSphere Application Server vs. Oracle Fusion Middleware

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