Chapter 13: Applications

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In this chapter, we discuss different methods of accessing Domino data, and then look at some external programs that you can use to do so.

13.1 Web servers

There are several different ways to serve HTTP pages from a zSeries system. Depending on your application, you could use the Domino HTTP stack, Websphere Application Server, or the IBM HTTP server (this is the Apache server when you run Linux on zSeries).

13.1.1 Domino HTTP

Domino includes a fully functional HTTP server. It is started by typing: Load HTTP at the Domino console. It can also start automatically when the Domino server starts by adding HTTP to the ServerTasks= line in Notes.ini.

Advantages

The Domino HTTP server requires no additional setup or configuration, thus making it easy for you to get started. Domino HTTP is also fully integrated with the Domino Directory, so your users' IDs can be managed from a single location.

Disadvantages

The Domino HTTP server does a very good job with Domino data, but is less capable at serving non-Domino data. If your Web application contains little Domino data, one of the other choices might be better

When to use

We recommend that you use the Domino HTTP server for servers that are mostly serving Domino applications (for example, a mail server where you are giving users access through iNotes).

13.1.2 WebSphere® Application Server

The WebSphere Application Server is a standards-based, Web server deployment platform. It enables you to use Java servlets and JavaServer Pages (JSPs) and provides connections to back-end database systems

For detailed information on integrating this product with Domino, see Domino and WebSphere Together, SG24-5955, second edition.

Advantages

WebSphere is a powerful server that can serve many kinds of enterprise data, not just Domino data. If you have to serve a great deal of data from different sources, WebSphere is a good choice.

Disadvantages

While WebSphere is powerful, it can be difficult to set up and configure, especially for those with little previous WebSphere experience.

When to use

We recommend that you use WebSphere on those servers that are going to be serving many different sorts of data (such as Domino and DB2), as well as in organizations that have WebSphere experience to set up and manage the server.

13.1.3 IBM HTTP server

The IBM HTTP Server powered by Apache is based on the Apache HTTP Server, which is the most popular server on the Web. The version that comes with Linux on zSeries can be used to replace the Domino HTTP stack.

Advantages

Due to its popularity, there are many plug-ins for the Apache server which provide a wide range of functionality, that may be otherwise unavailable. Apache also excels at serving static HTML pages, if your website consists of a lot of static data, in addition to the Domino data, Apache might be a good choice.

Disadvantages

Apache can be difficult to configure, also management must be done outside of the Domino environment.

When to use

If there is a need for some specific function that Apache provides, then using it as a replacement for the Domino HTTP stack makes sense.

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