For just backing up vCenter Server, the built-in file-based backup is a simple way to maintain backups of your VCSA. For backing up other VMs you'll need something else.
What do you mean by "easily obtained by another method"? There are several different backup products on the market from which to choose with none from VMware.
For just backing up vCenter Server, the built-in file-based backup is a simple way to maintain backups of your VCSA. For backing up other VMs you'll need something else.
You may easily backup via VAMI page. Starting with 6.7U1, You may also schedule backup job.
For the restore, just start installing VCSA and choose restore rather than Install.