WebSphere is an IBM-developed application server that runs business applications and supports J2EE (Java 2 Enterprise Edition) and web services standards. After describing the philosophical and strategic background of WebSphere, this handbook describes the use of the programming model and basic web services. It then examines the management of the business components—incorporating Access Intent policies and Application Profiles. Finally, it explains how to exploit business applications within the production environment, including the writing of administrative applications using WebSphere-supported interfaces. The included CD-ROMs contain an evaluation copy of the WebSphere application developer and a preview of the WebServices Technology update for the WebSphere application server.