License req. to backup restore OS on ESXi?

[WhatIsESXi]

Hi,

Sorry for starting with the probably most stupid Q.  I have just entered the world of ESXi and I have installed the first ESXi and a couple of OS's, and it's all working fine.

But for saftey reason, I would like to backup and restore the different OS's, and maybe even the whole disk!

Q1.  is that possible?

Q2. Is that possible with the free license or do I need full license to performe at least the first task (backup/restore an OS), or both (backup/restore the whole disk)?

[Nawals]

Yes possible but in free license.If you are looking for production vms backup you need to buy backup software license with appropriate vendor.

[IRIX201110141]

Q1: Yes.

Q2: No. All 3rd. Party Backup vendors use the vSphere API for Data Protection in combination with other remote / automatizations  functions and these APIs are locked when using the Free ESXi Hypervisor. In the past only a few vendors exists (Trilead) which worked around.  Years ago there was also GhettoVCB2 (community script)  around but to be honest..... at the end you need a reliable  Backup solution and all of them require a licensed ESXi with all open APIs.  Yes... free/cheap  Backup products exists like Veeam B&R Community version for up to 10 VMs.  Nakivo have something similar.

Ways to get a licenced ESXi

1. VMUG Adv. (200?)

2. vSphere Essentials (470,- plus  62,-)

Regards,
Joerg