Installing WebSphere 6.1 on Ubuntu

Recently I have upgraded my Ubuntu to Precise (12.04). I always prefer a clean install which implies to reinstall some proprietary application like WebSphere.
It is always a pleasure to do that.

From time to time I wonder: why is it so hard to provide a .deb package...

Installation steps:

1. replace /bin/sh

/bin/sh points to dash which does not fulfill the expectations of the installer.

cd /bin
sudo ln -sf /bin/bash sh

2. install sun jdk 6

Other weak point is the OpenJDK.
In order to install the other jdk one must register (uncomment) the partner repository.
Recently Canonical does not support SunOracle JDK for legal and stability reasons.

3. install ia32-libs

In the XXI. century it does seem a bit old fashioned to install a 32 bit application, but WAS6.1 installer is 32 bit, so we have to get the support for that
sudo apt-get install ia32-libs

4. install WebSphere

run java -jar setup.jar

4.5 delete profiles created before installing feature pack

./manageprofiles.sh -delete -profileName profile_name

4. install feature pack

Which in turn installs some fixpacks first.
run java -jar setup.jar

5. install fixpacks

Fixpacks are handled through IBM Update Installer. After downloading, run the same old
java -jar setup.jar
The first thing to install must be the PK53084 fix, then come the two fix packs of 39.

6. create the profile

run pmt.sh from the ProfileManagement dir of the new WAS61 installation

7. start server

And now we come to a magical moment of firing up our brand new server

8. after party

In order to work correctly some settings must be applied:

• setup filter compatibility

TADAA!!!
We are done!
Have a beer!
Or maximum two!