Secure and powerful VMware backup

It is a specialized solution designed to back up virtual machines within VMware vSphere (vCenter/ESXi) environments for protection and recovery.

This can be software-based, like Xopero ONE Backup & Recovery, which requires external storage (local, network, or cloud, including Xopero Cloud, to which access is included within Xopero’s backup system).

VMware backup can also be achieve as part of an all-in-one appliance (hardware and software), such as Xopero Unified Protection. This enterprise-grade solution combines Xopero ONE software with secure S3 Local Storage and advanced physical isolation (air-gapping) and data immutability. It is built for organizations requiring maximum protection against ransomware and modern cyber threats.

Beyond standard scheduling (frequency and backup windows), consider support for multiple operating systems to protect more than just VMs. Key requirements include backup strategy support, advanced features like deduplication, flexible retention management, and robust data security layers.

Furthermore, high-quality VMware backup software should integrate with industry standards and native technologies to ensure consistency and performance. Essential features include agentless deployment, VSS, Quiescing, and Changed Block Tracking (CBT).

These elements are critical for a successful data protection and recovery strategy in virtualized environments.

Backup provides point-in-time copies of critical data that can be restored via Disaster Recovery features if a VM fails or access is lost.

Without functional, easily restorable copies, resuming operations could be significantly delayed—or impossible—while waiting for specialized data recovery services.

A robust backup strategy and solution are therefore essential for maintaining business continuity and protecting a company’s financial interests and reputation.

Xopero ONE Backup & Recovery requirements for VMware are as follows:

• VMware version 6.7 or newerfor latest data transfer method support).
• Commercial VMware license (ESXi or vSphere). Non-commercial versions (Workstation/Fusion Pro) are not supported.

For more information, please visit our knowledge base.

Xopero ONE Backup & Recovery utilizes snapshot-based backup technologies, leveraging native solutions like VSS (Volume Shadow Copy). This allows for reliable processes, including image-level and application-aware backups, ensuring full data integrity during the recovery process.

Furthermore, you can use the automated restoration test feature to verify that the virtual machine boots and functions correctly after the backup is completed. For more detailed information, please refer to this article in our knowledge base.

Xopero ONE ensures business continuity by providing seamless backup processes, reliable data protection, and rapid recovery options.

Key features supporting business continuity include Instant Restore, which allows for the immediate resumption of critical virtual machines, and Test Restore. The latter ensures your VMware backups are consistent, error-free, and ready to restore operations instantly when needed.

In short, Instant Restore enables the immediate recovery of a virtual machine, minimizing downtime and the unavailability of services or resources.

Technically, this feature launches a VMware VM by using its configuration files and mounting the disk directly from the backup storage. This bypasses the need to copy all data first, allowing you to skip the wait for a full restoration. You can then perform a complete recovery at a more convenient time (e.g., after business hours).

This approach allows for the near-instant recovery of critical VMs, ensuring that clients, employees, and partners experience no service interruptions. Consequently, you avoid excessive support tickets, reputational damage, and financial losses.

VMware snapshots are temporary copies intended for short-term use, whereas backups provide a durable, secure copy designed for long-term storage and disaster recovery.

A snapshot functions like a change log for a virtual machine. While it tracks modifications, it is dependent on the original virtual disk; if that disk fails, the data cannot be recovered.

In contrast, a full backup creates a complete image of the entire VMDK file. This allows for a full restoration regardless of what happens to the original disk or the virtual machine itself.

For a deeper dive into this topic, you can read our detailed guide on snapshot technology on the Xopero blog.

Xopero ONE Backup & Recovery is a versatile solution designed to protect an entire organization's IT infrastructure, including endpoints, servers, NAS devices, virtual machines, Microsoft 365, and DevOps environments.

Regarding non-VMware virtualization, we offer backup for Microsoft Hyper-V using Windows Server 2016 and newer. Simply install the agent on the Windows Server host; there is no need to install it on each individual VM.

Absolutely. We offer a 14-day, unlimited free trial available [at this link]. You can sign up using your email, Google, or Microsoft account.

Depending on your preferred deployment model, you can choose between the SaaS (cloud) or on-premises version of our management console.

Once registered, you can start immediately:

1. Connect to VMware: Install the Xopero ONE agent on any endpoint or server that can communicate with your VMware host. Authenticate to the host to automatically add all your VMs to the management console.

2. Automate Protection: Create a backup plan for all or selected VMs to secure your data.