If I use VMware Consolidated Backup VCB on a proxy server to back up my ESX hosted machines do i need a backup agent licence for each VM or do i just need 1 agent licence for the proxy server?
I'm a bit confused because if the vm is mounted to the proxy server by VCB wouldn't it count as 1 agent licence so if i scheduled it right I could limit the number of agents I needed to backup my vm's or am I missing something?
yes. the can be the same, and in most case. they are the same.
you only need one client license for windows and a backup server license, and you can backup unlimited VMs, because you are backing up the data proxy (windows) see.
Just so i have it clear when you say unlimited VM's you are talking about VCB's licensing requirements right (so VCB doesn't limit the number of VM's i can back up), Do you know if the same appllies to the backup software agents from symantec/veritas and others that interact with the VMs?
the same applies to backup software. VCB proxy is a windows physical machine, so for backup software, e.g, veritas NBU, commvauly etc, you only need 2 license, 1 for backup server(the VCB proxy) and 1 windows client license. if you also attach a physical tape or VTL to this proxy, you need a additional backup to tape license.
Can the proxy server and the backup server be the same physical machine too?
yes. the can be the same, and in most case. they are the same.