We’re pleased to share the newest advancements in IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale, the latest version 8.6.2.0 is designed to deliver greater efficiency, agility, and reliability for enterprise workloads. These updates reflect IBM’s ongoing commitment to customer-driven innovation, helping organizations accelerate data processing, optimize performance, and scale seamlessly in dynamic business environments.
What is IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale (WXS)?
IBM WebSphere eXtreme Scale is an in-memory data grid solution designed to deliver ultra-low latency, elastic scalability, and high availability for enterprise applications. It enables dynamic caching, distributed session management, and real-time data access helping organizations handle massive transaction volumes with speed and resilience. It is used across industries to boost performance in e-commerce, banking, supply chain, and other mission-critical systems that demand instant data access and fault tolerance.
What’s New in Version 8.6.2.0?
Future-Ready Java Support
WebSphere eXtreme Scale now supports IBM Semeru Runtime Certified Edition Java 11 (11.0.28.0) and 17 (17.0.16.0), ensuring compatibility with the latest long-term support releases. This upgrade delivers enhanced performance, stronger security, and ensures continued optimization for modern enterprise workloads, safeguarding investments in the WebSphere ecosystem. Existing Java 8 support has also been upgraded to SR8FP50 (8.0.8.50) for greater stability and reliability.
Greater Deployment Flexibility
Version 8.6.2.0 introduces support for multiple Java versions with a new independent installation model. Java is no longer bundled with WXS standalone servers, clients, or Liberty deployments. Administrators can now install and manage Java separately, offering greater flexibility, simplified updates, and precise control over runtime environments.
Enhanced Liberty Runtime
WebSphere eXtreme Scale now integrates with Liberty Runtime v25.0.0.3, upgraded from version 23.0.0.3. This update improves runtime diagnostics, startup performance, and overall operational stability, helping teams maintain smoother and more efficient deployments.
Expanded Jakarta EE Client Support
The WXS client now supports Jakarta EE 9.1 and Jakarta EE 10, in addition to existing Java EE 7 and Java EE 8 compatibility. This ensures easier modernization for enterprise applications leveraging the latest Jakarta EE standards and APIs.
Seamless Installation Experience
Support for IBM Installation Manager 1.10 enhances installation reliability and enables automated deployments, while maintaining backward compatibility with older versions.
Key Benefits
· Optimized Performance: Upgraded Java and Liberty runtimes ensure faster, more stable operations.
· Flexible Deployment: Separate Java installation enables better environment management.
· Simplified Modernization: Updated runtime support streamlines upgrades and migrations.
· Future-Proof Compatibility: Enhanced Jakarta EE support extends application longevity.
For more information, check out our What’s New page in IBM Documentation.