When dealing with virtual machine (VM) backups in a hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) environment like Sangfor hDR, the backup typically includes everything within the VM. This generally encompasses:

VM Layer: This includes the VM's configuration files, virtual hardware settings, and any snapshots that have been taken.
OS Layer: The operating system installed on the VM, along with all system files, applications, and data present on the virtual disk.
In a typical backup process using Sangfor hDR or similar solutions, the goal is to capture a full image of the VM, which allows for a complete restore, including the VM layer and the OS layer. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Full VM Backups
Full Backups: These backups include the entire VM, capturing the complete state at a given point in time. This ensures that everything, from the OS to the applications and data, is included.
Incremental and Differential Backups
Incremental Backups: These capture only the changes made since the last backup (whether full or incremental). This method is more storage-efficient and faster but requires the last full backup and all subsequent incremental backups for a full restore.
Differential Backups: These capture all changes made since the last full backup. This method is also storage-efficient and faster but requires the last full backup and the last differential backup for a full restore.
Backup Strategies and Considerations
Application-Aware Backups: For applications like databases or email servers, it's crucial to use application-aware backups that ensure data consistency.
Snapshot-Based Backups: Some solutions use snapshots to capture the state of the VM, which can be quicker and less resource-intensive.
Comparison with Other Brands
Different backup solutions offer various features and methodologies. Here’s a brief comparison with some popular alternatives:

1. Veeam Backup & Replication:

- Provides agentless VM backups.
- Supports application-aware processing.
- Offers advanced features like SureBackup for automated backup verification.

2. Veritas NetBackup:

- Supports both physical and virtual environments.
- Provides deduplication, replication, and cloud integration.
- Offers extensive scalability and advanced recovery options.

When performing a backup of a VM in a Sangfor hDR environment, the backup typically includes both the VM layer and the OS layer. This means that data within the virtual machine, including the operating system, applications, and user data, are captured in the backup. However, it's essential to configure the backup solution correctly to ensure comprehensive coverage of all necessary components. When comparing backup methods across different brands in the HCI environment, factors such as backup speed, deduplication capabilities, integration with hypervisors, support for different storage types, and ease of management can vary.

Sangfor HCI supports the backup of both the VM layer and the OS layer. When a backup is performed, it includes everything in a VM such as the VM layer, OS layer, and other data1. This means that the backup method in Sangfor HCI is comprehensive and ensures that all aspects of a VM are backed up.

To create a Sangfor HCI backup job, you can start from the VM Backup > Virtual Machines page by selecting target VM(s) and then click on “Create new job”, or you can get started from VM Backup > Backup page. By default, all virtual disks of the selected VMs will be all backed up.

However, if you wish to exclude certain virtual disks of certain VMs from backing up, you can do so by clicking on the VM, all the virtual disks of the VM will be shown. By either selecting the virtual disk or not, you can choose to include or exclude the virtual disk from backing up.

Good luck!