WebSphere ESB can be deployed either stand-alone or across a network. Stand-alone deployment means that you manage the server from its own administration console, independently of any other servers you have on the network. Network deployment means that you can manage multiple servers from the administration console of a central deployment manager. The installation process for stand-alone servers, managed servers, and deployment managers is identical. After you have installed WebSphere ESB, you configure it by creating at least one profile. Each profile defines one of three types of profile: a stand-alone server, a managed node, or a deployment manager. The profile defines a separate runtime environment, with separate files (commands, configuration files, log files, and so on).
If you select Complete install in the Installation Type panel, a stand-alone server profile is created for you, named default, and the First steps console is launched when the installation wizard finishes. You can later use the profile creation wizard to create additional profiles if needed.
If you select Custom install in the Installation Type panel, you must create at least one profile. The profile creation wizard is launched when the installation wizard finishes.
You can also use the command line tool, manageprofiles, to create a profile. For further information see Creating profiles .
After a profile is created, you can get started with WebSphere ESB from the First steps console.