VSphere and vStorage APIs are disabled in free ESXi. These components are used by the largest number of backup software (Veeam Backup & Replication etc.) which in these versions use the API to make backups in an optimal way. There are some versions of backup SW that can save the VMs of an ESXi free environment but in many cases they are software that does not have all the functions of those that take advantage of the API Here are some SW that might be right for you:
No I have never tried VMcom. In the past I have used the GhettoVCB solution. For the difference between the free version of ESXi and the paid version you can consult these two links:
GhettoVCB works great and has quite a few options. The downside to non-API backups is you will have to always to full backups, but in my case that isn't a deal breaker as I just need weekly backups.
