• By Steven Hays
• Published 05/3/2012

Understanding the tasks associated with the administration of the WebSphere system is essential if you are planning a career in this field. What is the role of an administrator? The WebSphere administrator is responsible for installing, configuring, and handling the daily tasks that are necessary for operating the WebSphere runtime environment in an efficient and smooth manner. The tasks may include installation of products, configuration and implementation of J2EE applications, connection with back-end resources and conduct fundamental troubleshooting. In general, self-sufficiency is characteristic of a system administrator; this ensures that the administrator is capable of handling the majority of tasks associated with WebSphere system. However, limited assistance may be necessary from peers as well as vendor support and product documentation services.

Core Administration Skills Necessary for Handling the WebSphere Application Server:

1. Understand the way WebSphere Application Server is associated with the range of products within the WebSphere family
2. Comprehend the architectural concepts associated with WebSphere Application Server
3. Handle the installation and configuration of the Application Server as well as the IBM HTTP Server
4. Understand the fundamentals of the J2EE Platform
5. Handle the assembling and installing of the Java enterprise applications (server-side)
6. Understand the use of the administrative tools for configuring and managing enterprise applications
7. Organise the security of the application resources (server-side)
8. Deployment of applications in the clustered environments
9. Scrutinise the performance related data regarding server and application elements
10. Utilise log files and problem determination tools for troubleshooting

Core Skills for Determining the Problem and Troubleshooting:

1. Proper use of the IBM Support Assistant
2. Application of the methodology for problem determination
3. Use of specific tools and techniques for problem determination
4. Identification of problems associated with Java Virtual Machines
5. Solve issues related to database connection, configuration and security
6. Determination of problems related to application deployment
7. Repair any failures in the start of the application server
8. Provide solution for problems regarding messaging
9. Resolve issues related to installing, updating and migrating
10. Settle issues related to access to Web services

Core Skills for Scripting and Automation:

1. Understand the WebSphere Application Server support for the purposes of scripting and automation
2. Development, testing and debugging of automation scripts with the use of Jython and the Application Server Toolkit
3. Identification of the programming APIs and administrative objects necessary for the administrative scripting purposes
4. Understand the way to prototype and run scripts using the WebSphere admin tool
5. Automate common administrative tasks associated with WebSphere Application Server with the writing of scripts
6. Understand the way to automate tasks with Another Neat Tool
7. Utilise Java Application Control Language to Jython conversion tool

Different jobs regarding the development and administration of WebSphere system require different skills and training. Whether you were looking for a job as a WebSphere integration developer or a system administrator, you need the necessary skills and training. Check the details of the skills and the core areas of expertise you need for getting the right jobs in the same field.

Author Bio: Steven Hayes is a server administrator with years of experience. He provides tips and suggestions for individuals looking for jobs as WebSphere administrator.