If you know the history of Veeam you will know that it all started with virtualisation and VMware.
The company entered a tired and established backup market with a product that only protected VMware workloads at a time when many companies had not yet virtualised.
Far-sighted? Yes.
Veeam saw the future and led the way, and today when a non-virtualised environment is almost unheard of, Veeam is still leading the way when it comes to all forms of data protection especially when it comes to VMware.
No doubt there now is a labyrinth of VMware backups available, but in our opinion, Veeam still leads the pack. To this end, we have taken a deep dive into how Veeam handles the protection of those “oh-so-critical” VMware installations.
Choose Your Backup Mode Wisely
Choosing the right backup mode for your VMware environment is like picking the right vehicle for the right journey. A tractor may be good to cross a field but might not be the right choice to fly down a freeway! Veeam Backup & Replication offers three transport modes to match your backup needs: Network mode (NBD), Direct storage access (including Backup from Storage Snapshots), and Virtual appliance (Hot-Add).
NBD, the default mode, is simple to use but might lack speed for larger setups. Direct storage access boasts impressive speed by bypassing the hypervisor but requires more configuration and maintenance. Hot-Add strikes a balance between speed and ease of use, attaching virtual disks directly to the backup proxy without additional hardware costs.
No single mode suits all environments. Test each mode in your unique setup to determine the best fit for your VMware backup voyage. With the right backup mode, you’re ready to embark on a journey to data protection supremacy.
Plan How To Restore
Restoring data is like piecing together the digital jigsaw puzzle that keeps your business humming. It’s vital to consider not just the backup, but also the restore mode. Veeam offers a smorgasbord of recovery scenarios for a wide range of needs.
There are two main types of restores: file- or item-level restores (like plucking a single raisin from a fruitcake) and VM or disk restores (akin to serving the whole cake). Each has its merits, and your choice depends on your specific needs.
Restore modes, too, come with their unique advantages and disadvantages. Hot-Add is versatile but requires a backup proxy, while Network mode is straightforward yet slower. Direct storage access mode offers speed but demands more configuration effort.
As for full VM restores, Veeam’s Instant VM Recovery swoops in like a superhero, reducing downtime to mere minutes. The moral of the story? Plan and test your restore options to ensure your data remains safe and sound in its digital fortress.
Integrate Veeam Continuous Data Protection Into Your Disaster Recovery Concept
Veeam Continuous Data Protection (CDP) makes data disasters not only rare but also painless to recover from. CDP is like a digital guardian angel, continuously watching over your data and offering near-zero recovery point objectives (RPOs). This means minimal data loss if calamity strikes. For disaster recovery, CDP is like having your cake and eating it too, offering peace of mind and swift action when needed.
In planning for CDP, you’ll need to consider hardware resources and bandwidth estimation. After all, a well-fed guardian angel works more efficiently. Proxy design is also crucial, as it’s the backbone of the entire CDP operation.
Bear in mind that CDP replication requires some additional infrastructure, but it’s a small price to pay for unparalleled protection. If storage-based replication isn’t on your radar, it’s high time to consider Veeam CDP for your disaster recovery strategy.
As we reach the end of our whirlwind tour, remember that we’ve only dipped our toes into the vast ocean of VMware backup wisdom. We’ve shared a tantalising trio of best practices from the e-book “10 VMware Backups Best Practices,” but there’s so much more to discover.
Ready to dive deeper? Click here to download the complete list of best practices and unlock the hidden treasures of VMware backup expertise. Don’t miss the opportunity to transform your backup strategy and fortify your data fortress!
