A new feature in vSphere 6.5 is vCenter Server Appliance File-Based Backup and Restore. This walkthrough demonstrates backup of the vCenter Server Appliance.
vCenter Server File-Based Backup is exclusive to the vCenter Server Appliance. This feature supports backups of both embedded and external deployments of vCenter Server Appliance and Platform Services Controller. The following protocols are supported as backup destinations HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, FTPS, SCP.
Let’s begin by logging into the VMware vSphere Appliance Management Interface of the vCenter Server Appliance or the Platform Services Controller that needs to be backed up. To access, open a web browser and go to
https://FQDN or IP Address of the vCenter Server Appliance or Platform Services Controller:5480. Login using the root credentials supplied when initially setting up the vCenter Server Appliance or Platform Services Controller.
Once logged into the VMware vSphere Appliance Management Interface the default navigation goes to the Summary pane. In the upper right hand corner of the Summary pane click [Backup] to start the Backup Appliance wizard.
The Backup Appliance wizard will now appear. Select one of the supported backup protocols (HTTPS, HTTP, SCP, FTPS, FTP) that has been configured to which to stream the vCenter Server Appliance or Platform Services Controller backup.
Next, enter the location of the backup destination using the following format: Server Address/Path/Backup Folder
followed by the backup destination credentials.
Note: The backup folder does not have to be created prior to running the Appliance Backup wizard.
Optional: encrypt backup data using AES 256. If selected, the backup password will be required during the restore workflow.
Once done, click on [Next] to continue.
Note: The backup password is not stored and therefore the backup cannot be restored without the password.
Now select the components to backup. The vCenter Server Appliance inventory and configuration is backed up by default. There is an option to also backup Historical data (Stats, Events, Alarms, and Tasks). Each component will show the space required. Space for an optional description is also provided. Click on [Next] when finished.
Review the information displayed at the Backup Summary screen and then click on [Finish] to begin the backup job.
The Backup Appliance wizard will display the backup progress and start the backup job.
Once the backup job has been completed successfully, details such as the Protocol Type, Location, Username, and Completion Time will be shown on the screen. Click on [OK] to exit the Backup Appliance wizard.
After the backup job is completed click on [Logout] in the upper right hand corner to exit the VMware vSphere Appliance Management Interface.
The backup destination will contain the necessary files to restore the vCenter Server Appliance or Platform Services Controller when needed
This concludes the vCenter Server Appliance File-Based Backup Walkthrough. To learn more, visit the VMware vSphere Blog at blogs.vmware.com/vsphere.