Virtual simulation solutions such as VMware ESXi are required for to improve operations and optimize resource efficiency. However, with such extensive system dependence, effective protection of critical virtual machine (VM) information becomes crucial.

Understanding VMware ESXi and its benefits

VMware ESXi is a powerful hypervisor that allows organizations to create and manage multiple virtual machines on a single real server, with many advantages including:

  • Build confidence in business continuity.
  • Quick recovery.
  • Cost savings.
  • System Performance Improvement

However, the potential threat of data loss or damage due to hardware failure, human error, or cyber threat makes VMware backups indispensable. Having a clear understanding of how important VMware backups are enables you to guarantee the availability and flexibility of your critical VM data continuously.

In this post, we will explore the importance of a reliable ESXi backup solution and see how those methods can effectively protect your virtual infrastructure.

 

Type of backup for VMware ESXi

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When it comes to VMware ESXi backup, there are two main commonly used options:

Full Backup: This method involves creating entire VM copies. Although making the backup bigger, it allows for faster data recovery when needed.

Differential Backup: On the contrary, an add-on backup only stores changes made since the last backup. This reduces the size of the backup but may increase the recovery time. Especially if you need to combine multiple add-ons backup together.

Choosing the right VMware backup solution

It is important to understand that snapshots and VM backups are different. Since snapshot is not independent of each other and may affect VM performance in the long term. For organizations that need long-term data protection, consider the following backup solutions:

  • Manual copy of VM disk files: Since the VM is a set of files, you can access virtual disk files directly with hypervisor.
  • Exporting VMs to OVF/OVA: Open Virtualization Format (OVF) is a file format that supports the exchange of virtual devices on various products and platforms. This method allows faster downloads, but requires each VM to be exported manually from ESXi.
  • Agent VM Backup: This method involves using Windows Server Backup or the backup and restore tool that comes with the Windows guest operating system for file backup. However, it will not back up host and guest configurations. And backup files on multiple separate VMs may take a long time.
  • Free agentless backup software: This is the most reliable way to back up VMs today. By this way, you can create multiple VMs separate and complete backups with simple steps.

Agentless VMware VM Backup with AOMEI Cyber Backup

AOMEI Cyber Backup provides a straightforward solution to backup VMware ESXi. In addition to VMware ESXi backup, it also supports Hyper-V backup and SQL database backup. Following are steps to secure your virtual infrastructure:

Step 1: Install AOMEI Cyber Backup and connect to your VMware device. Complete authentication process.

Step 2: Go to "Backup Task" and click "+Create New Task". Select the "VMware ESXi Backup" option to start the backup process.

Step 3: Select a VMware virtual machine from vCenter or a stand-alone ESXi host. Then Choose a suitable location to store the backup file. Make sure the selected destination has sufficient capacity.

Step 4: (Optional) If you have an Amazon S3 storage, you can archive backup versions to it.

Step 5: (Optional) Schedule the backup you want, such as a full backup, an add-on or part-time backup. Specify the frequency of backups, whether daily, weekly or monthly.

Step 6: (Optional) Set a retention policy to determine how long the backup should be kept.

Step 7: Check and verify all configured settings and parameters to make sure they comply with your backup requirements.

Summary

VMware ESXi's backup is considered essential for any organization that takes advantage of licensed technology. Data protection, damage recovery, and business continuity are important parts that cannot be overstated. By backing up your virtual infrastructure regularly and choosing the right backup solution, such as AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can guarantee uninterrupted performance and growth. At the same time, keeping your virtual environment flexible and secure against unexpected challenges. Protect your Virtual infrastructure today to promote a vigorous approach to data protection.