WebSphere to Payara Server Migration
Migrating from WebSphere (Application Server & Liberty) to Payara Server 5 can be a simple and straightforward process because both servers rely on the Java EE specifications. We make it even easier with the help of our migration resources and migration guides:
Planning a Migration to Payara Server

Before your team can start the migration process, you (and the decision makers at your organization) may need to learn more about the Payara Platform. In our ‘Why Migrate to the Payara Platform’ Guide, we’ll provide information about:
- Cloud Native, Containerized, Jakarta EE, and MicroProfile application architectures
- Why makes Payara Server Enterprise the best option for production Jakarta EE (Java EE) applications
- Why Payara Micro is ideal for running Java EE applications in a modern virtualized infrastructure
- The benefits of open source software
- How new Payara Platform Enterprise features are created
- Cost advantages of the Payara Platform
WebSphere vs Payara Server 5 at a Glance
Along with providing full support for our application server and more frequent component updates – migrating to Payara Server Enterprise gives you access to additional features and capabilities:
WebSphere 9.0.5 | WebSphere Liberty 21.0.0 | Payara Server Enterprise 5 | |
---|---|---|---|
License | Proprietary | Proprietary | Open Source with EULA |
Release Frequency | Irregular | Monthly | Monthly |
Production Support | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Supported IDEs | Eclipse IDE, VS Code | Eclipse IDE, VS Code | Eclipse IDE, NetBeans, IntelliJ IDE, VS Code |
Jakarta EE 8 Compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes |
MicroProfile Support | Partial | Yes | Yes |
Microservices Edition | No | Yes (Liberty is positioned as Microservices only) | Yes (Payara Micro) |
Data Grid (Caching) | Separate product with additional cost | No | Yes, included |
Clustering | Separate product with additional cost | Yes | Yes, included |
Scripting Tool | Wsadmin and jython scripts | Wsadmin and jython scripts | asadmin |
Admin Command Recording and Auditing | No | No | Yes |
Deployment Flexibility | Variables (Environment, external files, WebSphere variables) | Variables (Environment, WebSphere variables, MicroProfile config) | Variables (System, Environment, MicroProfile config) |
Notification Channels Monitoring | |||
Custom Notifiers | No | No | Yes |
Migrating WebSphere Application Server to Payara Server Enterprise

This guide gives you an overview of the differences between WebSphere Application Server and Payara Server, which components and features in Payara Server are equivalent to those in WebSphere, and how to configure some frequently-used resources and features in Payara Server compared to how you’re used to them in WebSphere.
Migrating WebSphere Liberty to Payara Server Enterprise

This guide gives you an overview of the differences between WebSphere Liberty and Payara Server, which components and features in Payara Server are equivalent to those in WebSphere, and how to configure some frequently-used resources and features in Payara Server compared to how you’re used to them in WebSphere.
Payara Server Enterprise Allows Hermes to Move Their Business Critical Applications to the Cloud with 30% Faster Performance and Reduced Costs

Hermes used IBM WebSphere to operate its business-critical Hermes Advanced application to scan packages during the delivery process. When they discovered WebSphere licensing makes moving to the cloud too expensive, they started looking for other application servers and migrated to GlassFish. Later, they realized they needed commercial support and migrated from GlassFish to Payara Server Enterprise 4 using the Migration & Project Support option and into a production environment with Payara Enterprise 24×7 support 100 days earlier than planned.