vmware vmdk backup

[iaw]

Hi,

I dont have Ent Client License for vmware off-host backup, while I need to get vmdk backup.
What would be the best scenario to backup vmdk files?
1. Is it possible to install client agent in ESX servers and take vmdk files as a regular file system backup?
2. Any possibility to use VCB backup? ( I use VMware vSphere 5.1 )
3. Any best practice scenario, please?

Thanks,
IAW

[Solution4all]

Hi,

NetBackup does not have any agent which can be installed on esx to backup vmdk files. You need to have vSphere Standard license license from vmware to be installed on Esxi server to backup guest machine running on that esx server. This is due to the lack of vStorage API for Data Protection support in the free unlicensed versions of ESXi and is a current limitation of VMware.

Thanks,

[Marianne · Accepted solution]

You need Enterprise Client license to backup vmdk files with VMware policy type.
Each ESX host needs to be licensed according to tier.

1. No. If you install NBU Client software in VM hosts, backups are taken as regular clients.

2. VCB backups are no longer used by NBU or VMware. See this topic in NetBackup 7.5.0.x for VMware Administrator's Guide  http://www.symantec.com/docs/DOC5605 
Support for VCB in NetBackup 7.5.x

3. See this excellent article: https://www-secure.symantec.com/connect/articles/netbackup-vmware-backup-over-san  as well as the manual above...