Recommended software, fixes, and settings for WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0

The following table provides a list of recommended, generally available (GA) fixes and settings for WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0 releases.

Ensure that your environment is updated to the recommended fixes and settings to optimize your WebSphere Commerce environment and its related products. Fix packs contain multiple corrections and improvements in the areas of function, security, stability, and performance. It is recommended that you run your WebSphere Commerce site with current fix pack levels. As with all production changes, when you apply fixes, ensure that you complete rigorous functional and performance verification tests with your custom code.

Note: For more information about the minimum fixes for WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0 releases that you require in order to receive support, see Fixes for corequisite supported software.

Even if an update is not in your schedule, review the information about recommended fixes and settings in the following table to keep informed about corrections and improvements to WebSphere Commerce. You can use this information to determine how your site might benefit from an upgrade.

Note: To learn more about fixes that address security vulnerabilities, see Security bulletins.
For IBM i OS operating systemIBM i-specific fixes are delivered by PTF. Install the latest PTF of WebSphere Application Server, Java, IBM HTTP Server, and DB2. See the following URL for the latest PTF group information:

Recommended fixes and settings

Software Recommended Level
WebSphere Commerce
  • The most current and recommended level of WebSphere Commerce is WebSphere Commerce Version 8 Mod Pack 4 Fix Pack 30 (8.0.4.30).
    Important: IBM stabilized Mod Pack 0 (8.0.0), Mod Pack 1 (8.0.1), and Mod Pack 3 (8.0.3).
    • The final fix pack for Mod Pack 0 is 8.0.0.19 and was released on January 24, 2017.
    • The final fix pack for Mod Pack 1 is 8.0.1.14 and was released on June 29, 2017.
    • The final fix pack for Mod Pack 3 is 8.0.3.6 and was released on August 9 2017.
    • Going forward, HCL intends to release fix packs for Mod Pack 4 only.
    HCL does not currently plan to deprecate or remove any capabilities that are on 8.0.0, 8.0.1 or 8.0.3, but future investment is focused on 8.0.4 or later. If you are on 8.0.0, 8.0.1 or 8.0.3, plan to upgrade to Mod Pack 4 so that you can continuously apply new fix packs as needed.
  • For more information about maintenance packages, see List of available maintenance packages.
WebSphere Application Server
  • The levels of WebSphere Application Server that are tested and verified by HCL for each release are:
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.30Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 24 (or 8.5.5.24)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.29Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 21 (or 8.5.5.21)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.28Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 20 (or 8.5.5.20) + PH42728
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.27Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 19 (or 8.5.5.19)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.26Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 18 (or 8.5.5.18)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.25Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 17 (or 8.5.5.17)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.24Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 15 (or 8.5.5.15)
    • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.23Version 8.5.5 Fix Pack 15 (or 8.5.5.15)

    For use with Java 8, the minimum required level of WebSphere Application Server is 8.5.5 Fix pack 15 (or 8.5.5.15).

    It is recommended that you install the latest fix pack for WebSphere Application Server Version 8.5.5.
    Important: If you are using Java version 8.0.7.0 to 8.0.7.9, or WebSphere Application Server version 8.5.5.21 to 8.5.5.23, you must lower the priority of the IBMJCEPlus security provider.

    Using the com.ibm.crypto.provider.IBMJCEPlus security provider causes a memory leak, leading to performance implications.

    1. Open the jre/lib/security/java.security configuration file for editing in your SDK installation directory.
    2. Change the order of the security providers to place com.ibm.crypto.plus.provider.IBMJCE above com.ibm.crypto.provider.IBMJCEPlus.

      For example, your file should appear as follows:

      security.provider.1=com.ibm.jsse2.IBMJSSEProvider2
security.provider.2=com.ibm.crypto.plus.provider.IBMJCE
security.provider.3=com.ibm.crypto.provider.IBMJCEPlus
security.provider.4=com.ibm.security.jgss.IBMJGSSProvider
    3. Save and close the file.
  • In addition, review the information in Fixes for corequisite supported software for any applicable interim fixes for the WebSphere Application Server fix pack that you are using.
  • To set up an agent that collects Java configuration and performance data, see Setting up IBM Health Center to collect performance data.
Notes:
  • When you install a WebSphere Application Server fix pack, all interim fixes are removed.
  • WebSphere Commerce DeveloperFor IBM WebSphere Commerce Developer, the minimum required level is WebSphere Application Server Version 8.5.5.7 or WebSphere Application Server Test Environment 8.5.5.7.
IBM DB2 database
Oracle database
  • Oracle 12c Version 12.1.0.2.0.
  • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.25 or laterOracle 19c
WebSphere Commerce DeveloperIBM Rational Application Developer
  • WebSphere Commerce Version 8.0.4.26 or laterWebSphere Commerce 8.0.4.26 and above require Rational Application Developer Version 9.6.
    Important: Rational Application Developer Version 9.5 is end of life, and is not longer being supported by IBM. HCL recommends upgrading to 9.6 for continued support.
  • If you are continuing with Version 9.5, the minimum supported version for use with WebSphere Commerce are:
    • Rational Application Developer Version 9.5 Fix Pack 1 (9.5.0.1), for use with Java 7.
    • Rational Application Developer Version 9.5 Fix Pack 2 (9.5.0.2), for use with Java 8.

    It is recommended that you install the latest Version 9.5 fix pack.

    For information about how to set up Rational Application Developer, see Installing Rational Application Developer or Rational Software Architect Version 9.5 or 9.6.
IBM SDK Java Technology
  • WebSphere Commerce requires a 64-bit version of SDK Java Technology Edition.
    Important: Beginning with 8.0.4.26, WebSphere Commerce only supports IBM Java Technology Edition Version 8.0. This is included bundled with your WebSphere Application Server installation.

    If you plan to upgrade to WebSphere Commerce 8.0.4.26 or greater, or any subsequent fix pack, you must upgrade WebSphere Commerce to Java 8. For more information, see Upgrading WebSphere Commerce 8.0.4.27+ to Java 8.

  • The following versions highlight the recommended versions of IBM SDK Java Technology Edition for use with WebSphere Commerce.
IBM Security Directory Suite
  • IBM Security Directory Suite 8.0.1.17