IBM Websphere is a messaging middleware, or message oriented middleware (MOM). Supports asynchronous message transmission for tasks within one system, across systems, and across platforms. Performs messaging functions including translation, addressing, encryption, message integrity and guarantee of delivery. Removes the need for applications to perform these services. First released as Message Queue Manager (MQM) in 1993 by IBM. MQSeries for MVS was released in 1994. Renamed to Websphere MQ in 2002. Optional Client Attachments feature required for non-mainframe clients to communicate with a z/OS based queue manager.