How to implement group VM backup procedure on ESXi 4.1

[targus]

What is the correct/best way to backup VM's on ESXi?

Currently I'm migrating 3 VM that run under VMware Server on a WinXP box. A scheduled process suspends the VM's and then all 3 are copied to a backup server. I'd like to migrate the VM's to ESXi 4.1 but I'm new at ESXi and I don't know how to replicate that backup process. Can someone briefly explain how to do it?

Thanks.

[J1mbo]

vCLI is the answer here with an NFS datastore.

But the issue is the necessary scripting interfaces (for example, the ability to snapshot or suspend a VM) are not available with the free licensed version (unofficial methods to script VM actions on free-licensed ESXi do exist though).




http://blog.peacon.co.uk

Please award points to any useful answer.

Unofficial List of USB Passthrough Working Devices

[targus]

Well, that's half an answer at least. Now how about someone linking to the unofficial methods.

[golddiggie]

Which edition of ESXi 4.1 are you going with?? Free, standard, advanced, enterprise, enterprise plus??? Depending on what you go with for the edition license, you could have other options available to you... You could get the vDR (with the correct edition level) or go with something like ghettoVCB (for the free edition)... Although you might need to be in the trial period in order to install teh script for ghettoVCB...

I've never needed to go that route, since I've either not been setup for a real B&R process, or needed to perform backups, in my home lab. In production environments, I've used other products to perform backups ranging from B&R software to features built into the SAN...

I'm about to get a NAS/SAN in place for my lab (expect it around the middle of next week)... Once I have my VM's shifted over to that, I'll be setting up a B&R process... Most likely vDR, but I might give ghettoVCB a shot too...

VMware VCP4

Consider awarding points for "helpful" and/or "correct" answers.

[AndreTheGiant]

Have a look also at:

Andre