VCB on same servers as backup software

[NSITPS]

Is it possible to run VCB on the same server as your backup server? I do not mean the backup vendors VMware plugin/remote agent but the actual backup media server software?

I would like to use an existing backup server which backs up servers via the traditional agent installed on the server/vm and use VCB just to copy VM images to the local storage of the backup server. I do not intend on backing up the VM images using the backup software.

[mocal]

you can definately install the vcb framework on the same server as your backup software.. whether you intend to use the BU software or not

[NSITPS]

Can you use VCB alone to create image level backups and store them on the backup server. (not using backup software to run pre/post scripts)?

[mocal · Accepted solution]

you can... i believe you use vcbmount to take a snapshot and mount the virtual disk and then its another comand to export the data

vmware has a paper on VCB commands. I'm unsure of the exact commands ... i use the vcb framework on my backup server (running BE12.5) .. BE uses the vcb to create the snapshot, mount the disk, dump it on the local storage and then unmount the virtual disk, delete the snapshot and then back up the exported disk to tape media...

[mocal]

this may help you in your adventure

http://communities.vmware.com/blogs/jturver/2008/01/24/vcb-how-to-backup-a-selected-specific-disk-or...

[NSITPS]

Thanks again.

One last question - On your BE12.5 server, do you have the VMware Virtual Infrastructure Agent?

[NSITPS]

Thanks

[mocal]

I do yes. Only need one VMware Agent per ESX host. Or if your running VirtualCentre you only need one VMware Agent to do multiple ESX hosts.

I'm using the VMware Agent with my Virtual Centre to back up all my vmware servers across two ESX hosts.

[mocal]

No problem! That's what the boards are for

[dconvery]

Nael -

Take a look at this "Proven Practice" doc that Chris Skinner from VMware wrote about VCB 1.5 and BE 12.5 ->

Also take a look at my doc ->[http://viops.vmware.com/home/docs/DOC-1133] It is a companion doc for a session I presented at VMworld 2008. It deals with NetBackup, but gives you helpful info for setting up VCB.

BTW...I noticed you marked this question as "Answered". Please also mark the "correct" answer as well.

Dave Convery - VMware vExpert

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Accomplishing the impossible means only that the boss will add it to your regular duties.

Doug Larson

[NSITPS]

thanks dconvery