VmWare vSphere 5 Backup

[Stig007]

So we have a client that is currently running Vsphere with about 4 vm's installed on it. What would be the best solution for backing up this machine?

Ive seen veeam free backup software but it can only make full backups not incrementals. we've played with the idea of installing a server with the exact same specs and vmware installed. Then we backup the production servers vm's hdd files. When needed we just add those hdd files to the "backup" server and hey presto working?

Probably not ideal or the best practice?

Any help or ideas would be appreciated

 

[irBosOtter]

Buy the Veeam Suite. (Standard should be fine)
If you do not have a tape drive/library you can schedule a "File copy" job to copy the backup files to a USB drive for offsite storage.

Don't struggle with free backup software or "workarounds"

 

[irBosOtter]

Unitrends Enterprise Backup


That can backup 4 VM's for free

 

[morkhans]

If you want piece of mind Veeam is the way to go.

For a single host if you're happy with a bit of scripting and a roll your own solution look at GhettoVCB. I've used a FreeNAS as a target box with the datastore mapped via NFS and it works well.

Just remember that you still need something offsite for when the building goes up in flames or the equipment gets stolen.

 

[Stig007]

Thanks alot!! Will definitely look into these suggestions. Veeam looks like some reaaly good software, but it comes at a price.

 

[shadow_man]

Thanks alot!! Will definitely look into these suggestions. Veeam looks like some reaaly good software, but it comes at a price.

BazaarVCB - Free and works like a charm!

http://www.magiksys.net/bazaarvcb/

No need to pay for expensive products, just set a backup via crontab like I do an off you go!

 

[shadow_man]

If you want piece of mind Veeam is the way to go.

For a single host if you're happy with a bit of scripting and a roll your own solution look at GhettoVCB. I've used a FreeNAS as a target box with the datastore mapped via NFS and it works well.

Just remember that you still need something offsite for when the building goes up in flames or the equipment gets stolen.

I've used both and BazaarVCB is FAR friendlier than GhettoVCB. You may want to check it out, its rock solid!

 

[SauRoNZA]

Another vote for Veeam from me.

Only reason I don't use it any longer is because I don't use VMWare any more.

http://www.veeam.com/vm-backup-recovery-replication-software.html?ad=menu

 

[TheGrove]

Veeam works great, they have a free solution as well.

http://www.veeam.com/virtual-machine-backup-solution-free.html

Check if it meets your requirements.

 

[srothman]

+1000 for Veeam.
When it comes to backups (or rather the ability to restore), it's not worth taking shortcuts.