How to configure On-prem VMware for Metallic Backup

To backup on-premises data, a backup gateway is required. To review the requirements for the backup gateway, see Metallic Backup Gateway.

VMware vCenter Server

The following versions are supported for vCenter Server and vCenter Server Appliance. vCenter Server support includes support for vSphere, Virtual Disk Development Kit (VDDK), ESX or ESXi, and file system versions as provided by the vCenter version. For more information, see Correlating build numbers and versions of VMware products (1014508).

Generally, each version of the VDDK supports vCenter Server for the two previous major versions and for the next minor version. For example, VDDK 6.0.0 can be used with vCenter Server 5.5, 5.1, or 6.0 Update 1.

When VMware issues new versions or updates, Metallic tests against the current service pack before announcing support. For new VMware versions or updates that are released between Metallic service packs, and for earlier supported versions or service packs, Metallic provides continuing support, including Hot Fixes as needed to address VMware changes to functions that affect backup and recovery.

Note: If VMs are part of ESX 4.1, then streaming and IntelliSnap backups are supported only through the vCenter. You cannot use a standalone ESX 4.1 server.

Service Accounts for accessing vCenter

The vCenter user account must have permissions on the vCenter, datacenter, ESX server, and virtual machine levels for any virtual machines to be backed up and restored. The backup for a virtual machine fails if the user does not have permission on the vCenter, datacenter, and ESX server where the virtual machine resides.

VMware Tools on Virtual Machines

Install the most recent version of VMware Tools supported by the host on each virtual machine. At a minimum, the version of VMware tools on virtual machines must be supported on the host and unsupported versions must be upgraded. For more information about VMware Tools support for Windows and Linux guest VMs, see the VMware Compatibility Guide.