VCB Snapshot method changes in vSphere?

[VirtualKenneth]

Hi,

I was reading this from the manual:

Consolidated Backup runs a set of scripts. The pre-backup scripts quiesce the virtual disks and generate snapshots. Once completed, the

post-backup scripts restore the virtual machine back to normal operation. At the same time, it mounts the disk

snapshot to the backup proxy server. Finally, the third-party backup agent backs up the files on the mounted

snapshot to its backup targets. By taking snapshots of the virtual disks and backing them up through a separate

backup proxy server, Consolidated Backup provides a simple and low-overhead backup solution for the virtual

environment, and is less intrusive than running backups inside each guest virtual machine.

This sounds different then the current method in were the VM stay's in snapshot mode for as long as the backup agent takes to backup(/tranfser) the VM. Am I reading this wrong or is it really changed?

Thanks,

Kenneth

[AntonVZhbankov · Accepted solution]

Backup method was not changed in vSphere. VM stays in snapshot mode till virtual disks are transferred.

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VMware vExpert '2009

http://blog.vadmin.ru

[VirtualKenneth]

Thanks, I guess VMware has to better describe this IMHO

[CHogan]

The behaviour depends on whether you are doing a file level backup or a full backup.

For a file level backup where the VM's disk is mounted to the proxy, the snapshot stays in place while the 3rd party backup agent is backing up the files. The snapshot is then removed once the backup agent has completed its work and the VM's disk is unmounted from the proxy.

For a full backup where the VM's disk is exported to the proxy, the snapshot stays in place only for the duration of the export. Once the disk export is completed, the snapshot is removed. Since the exported data is now available on the proxy without any need to access the VM's disk, the backup agent can back it up at will.

HTH

Cormac

[CHogan]

Kenneth,

Could you direct me to the manual that you are referencing?

I don't find these statements in our latest backup guide - http://www.vmware.com/pdf/vsphere4/r40/vsp_vcb_15_u1_admin_guide.pdf.

Thanks

Cormac

[depping]

http://pubs.vmware.com/vi3/intro/wwhelp/wwhimpl/common/html/wwhelp.htm?context=intro&file=Introducti...

Duncan

VMware Communities User Moderator | VCP | VCDX

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[CHogan]

Thanks Duncan.

The statements "At the same time, it mounts the disk snapshot to the backup proxy server. Finally, the third-party backup agent backs up the files on the mounted

snapshot to its backup targets." are incorrect.

It should of course read that the Virtual Machine runs against the snapshot delta, while the VM's actual disks are mounted to the backup proxy server.

I have sent an email to docfeedback to get this modified.

Regards

Cormac

[VirtualKenneth]

I found this in a PDF that was linked from the site, do you also need that link? (or is the .html doc generated from that pdf?)

Cheers,

Kenneth

[VirtualKenneth]

Well just to be sure:

[CHogan]

Thanks - i'll note that too.