IBM WebSphere Application Server is the foundation of the IBM WebSphere software platform, and a key building block for a Service Oriented Architecture (SOA). As the premier Java 2 Enterprise Edition (J2EE) and Web services application platform, WebSphere Application Server delivers a high performance transaction engine that can help you build, run, integrate and manage dynamic, On Demand Business applications.As the core configuration of the WebSphere Application Server family, WebSphere Application Server is optimized to ease administration in a scalable, single-server deployment environment. This configuration is recommended for organizations that need to build and deploy stand-alone, departmental applications and Web services, but don't require failure bypass or workload-distribution options. WebSphere Application Server supports an unparalleled range of platforms and can be deployed on servers of any size. New and enhanced features deliver the flexible, open, resilient application infrastructure you need for an SOA.Simple, rapid development and deployment WebSphere Application Server helps you improve time to value and make the most of existing technology skills, with easy-to-use features designed to get you to production quickly.