Working with JSON in DataPower

To work with JSON type messages, DataPower first converts it to JSONX, a proprietary XML based format to represent JSON message, does transformation and converts back to JSON (using store:///jsonxtojson.xsl) as per the requirements.

To convert to JSONX, DataPower provides 2 different ways

1) Using HTTP Convert Query Action 

2) Setting RequestType as JSON and use "__JSONASJSONX"

Important to notice that both of these methods works on processing rule. Convert Action works as processing action added on processing rule and __JSONASJSONX also work when it's a input for a processing action.

But I have come across requirements where you need JSONX in a XSL file. In that case, a reusable service can be designed using any of above method and can be called from XSL file. Here is how it's going to look like.

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