What is WebSphere DataPower?

IBM WebSphere DataPower SOA Appliances is a family of purpose-built, easy-to-deploy network devices that simplify, help secure, and accelerate XML and Web Services deployments while extending SOA infrastructure. DataPower Appliances contain many specialized hardware components, including ASIC-based IPS, custom encrypted RAID drives, and (optional) hardware security modules. DataPower Appliances operate a single digitally signed firmware containing an operating system and application stack. DataPower's firmware runs on a flash storage device. IBM refreshes and enhances the DataPower firmware image every 10–20 weeks. DataPower firmware is a well performing and highly optimized platform to perform electronic messaging functions. As a result, users cannot run 3rd party applications on DataPower as they would a traditional server and operating system. Instead of a traditional file system, DataPower runs with a collection of isolated virtual file systems called 'Application Domains'. As a result, DataPower can appear to its client connections be any type of network file system with any type of folders and links.

Based on Hardware Model 7198
• WebSphere DataPower Service Gateway XG45
 
Based on Hardware Model 7199
• WebSphere DataPower Caching Appliance XC10 V2
• WebSphere DataPower Integration Appliance XI52
• WebSphere DataPower B2B Appliance XB62
• WebSphere DataPower Edge Appliance XE82
 
IBM ESB portfolio offers 3 different products to its client, one of them in
WebSphere DataPower XI series.
 
1. WebSphere Message Broker
2. WebSphere ESB
3. WebSphere DataPower Appliances (XI52)
Here's a link to the IBM ESB portfolio brochure, which lists additional selection criteria
for all 3 products:
 
ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/software/websphere/2008_ESB_Portfolio_Trifold.pdf