Backup VM Method in Sangfor HCI Supports Backup of VM Layer or Together with OS layer?

Hi everyone, just have a question regarding the backup method outcome or process. I'm quite new in the virtualize technology n stuff so I hope u guys can share your thoughts.

Recently there's a project using Sangfor hDR where a backup/restore method is used to restore the VM in DR site. The user had asked me that does the restore method or backup method include in the OS layer. So, I've never thought about it before cuz I thought when backup method included everything in a VM when is done.

So my question is that does it include everything in a VM such as VM layer or OS layer etc when a backup is done on it or the backup does not cover certain data of a Vm in HCI environment? I would also like to know the comparison of other brands for their backup method or even features that may differs with Sangfor if you guys know anything about it.

Hi, Sangfor provides two distinct Disaster Recovery (DR) solutions: Sangfor hDR (Heterogeneous DR) and Sangfor aDR (Active-Passive DR).

Sangfor hDR is tailored to safeguard production workloads running on third-party infrastructure. It offers a holistic disaster recovery solution that encompasses protection for production workloads on physical x86 servers, virtualized environments, or cloud infrastructure. It provides adaptable RPO/RTO options to cater to workloads of varying importance. The inbuilt automation and orchestration mechanisms reduce the risk of human error. Features like test-run, real-time monitoring, and straightforward recovery capabilities ensure a reliable and effective recovery plan.

Conversely, Sangfor aDR is engineered to protect production workloads operating on Sangfor’s own infrastructure (HCI/Cloud). While it shares many features with hDR, such as adaptable RPO/RTO options, inbuilt automation and orchestration, test-run, real-time monitoring, and straightforward recovery capabilities, it is specifically designed for workloads running on Sangfor’s infrastructure.

Both these solutions are seamlessly integrated into the Sangfor HCI platform, enabling 1-click VM-level DR without the need for additional software. They also provide a “local backup – offsite DR” solution that ensures continuous protection, offering seconds-level instant recovery options (from 1s to 1wk) for offsite DR using HCI.

The selection between Sangfor hDR and aDR hinges on your specific infrastructure and requirements. If your workloads are running on third-party infrastructure, hDR would be the suitable choice. Conversely, if you’re utilizing Sangfor’s infrastructure, aDR would be the optimal choice.

When a backup operation is executed on a Virtual Machine (VM), it generally encompasses all aspects of the VM, including the VM layer, OS layer, and all the data contained within the VM. This is due to the fact that the backup procedure generates a duplicate of your virtual machine files, which can be reinstated if a VM encounters a failure or is compromised. It also replicates the VM configuration files, enabling you to restore the entire backup if an issue arises or if you need to replicate the same environment for testing purposes. As for backup solutions, we are an Italian distributor of Nakivo. It’s an excellent product that facilitates backup operations, but regrettably, it does not yet support Sangfor HCI. If you have to backup virtual machines that resides on Sangfor HCI, you must choose Vinchin as backup software.

Hi,

Sangfor HCI 6.9.0 supports VSS backup for both Windows virtual machines (support for Linux VMs is on the way)

In a virtualized environment like with Sangfor hDR, the backup typically includes the entire VM, covering the OS layer, applications, and data. It captures a snapshot of the VM, so during restoration, it should restore the entire state as it was at the time of the backup. Other brands, such as VMware, Veeam, and Nutanix, offer similar comprehensive backup solutions. However, the features and performance might vary, with differences in ease of use, integration capabilities, backup speed, and restoration processes.

Sangfor hDR backups typically include the entire virtual machine (VM) state,

encompassing both the VM layer and the OS layer. This means it captures the configuration, settings, data files, and applications running on the VM.

Here's a breakdown of what's included:

    VM Layer: This includes the virtual hardware configuration (CPU, memory, storage controllers, network adapters), virtual disks, and VM settings.
    OS Layer: This encompasses the operating system files, applications, data files, user profiles, and system configuration.

Points to Consider:

    Specific Configurations: While Sangfor hDR aims for comprehensive backups, there might be specific configurations or settings that need to be adjusted for complete restoration. Refer to Sangfor's documentation for details.
    Custom Applications: If your VMs have custom applications, ensure Sangfor hDR can handle their specific backup requirements.

Comparison with Other Brands:

Most major data backup solutions offered by brands like Veeam, Veritas, and Commvault also provide full VM backups, including the VM layer and the OS layer. Here's a quick comparison focusing on potential differentiating features:

    Automation & Orchestration: Sangfor hDR emphasizes automation for reduced human error. Compare how other brands handle automation in their backup processes.
    Recovery Point Objective (RPO) & Recovery Time Objective (RTO): Sangfor hDR offers flexible RPO/RTO options. See how competitor solutions handle RPO/RTO customization.
    Additional Features: Some brands might offer features like application-aware backups, deduplication, or built-in cloud integration. Research these features across different brands.

Hi,
When it comes to VM backups, they generally include the entire VM, which means all the data and configurations of the VM, including the OS layer, applications, and files

When performing backups of virtual machines (VMs), especially in hyper-converged infrastructure (HCI) environments like Sangfor hDR, it's crucial to understand what is included in the backup. Typically, a VM backup encompasses the entire VM, which includes all layers such as the VM layer (virtual disks, configuration files) and the OS layer (operating system, system files, installed applications, user data). This comprehensive approach ensures that the VM can be fully restored to its previous state in case of data loss or disaster recovery scenarios. However, the specifics of what is backed up can vary between backup solutions and vendors. Some backup solutions may offer granular options where administrators can choose to back up only certain data within the VM, such as specific files or applications, rather than the entire VM. Comparing backup features among different brands, like Sangfor hDR and others in the market, involves evaluating aspects such as backup speed, deduplication capabilities, recovery time objectives (RTOs), integration with virtualization platforms, support for different storage environments (e.g., hybrid cloud), and management simplicity. Understanding these differences can help organizations choose a backup solution that best aligns with their operational needs and data protection strategies in HCI environments.

Hi,

Generally, a VM backup should capture most of the VM data including the config files, OS files and settings, and application data residing on the VM disks. But there might be some exceptions to this like the below:

    - Temporary Files and OS Caches are most of the time excluded to reduce backup size and improve performance and are typically recreated automatically when the VM restarts.
    - Data in Transit that is actively being written to the VM's disks at the time of backup might not be fully captured but this is a minor concern.
    - Application-Specific Data might manage their own data outside the standard VM disk structure

Below is a breakdown of what usuallyvgets included in a VM backup:

    - VM Configuration Files which define the VM's settings like memory allocation, virtual CPUs, and attached disks.
    Operating System Files: All system files and applications installed on the OS are captured.
    - VM Disks where the entire contents of the VM's virtual disks are backed up, including data partitions and user files.

Generally, the comparison of Backup Methods and Features whether it is Sangfor or competition s thru  the following methods:

    - Agent-based Backup or an agent software installed within the VM coordinates the backup process.
    - Agentless Backup or a backup solution which everages the hypervisor's capabilities to capture VM data without requiring an agent on the VM itself.

HiHi,

Please find my answer below:

Q1. In Sangfor HCI environment, when a backup is performed, it includes everything within the virtual machine (VM), such as the VM layer, the operating system (OS) layer, system files, applications, and user data. This ensures comprehensive data protection for all components of the VM.

Q2. Sangfor HCI backup offers several advantages over other brands:

• Efficient backup method: Block-level incremental backup reduces backup time and storage space.
• Data deduplication: Eliminates redundant data, reducing storage requirements.
• Flexible scheduling: Daily, weekly, or monthly backups with incremental backups at specified intervals.
• Granular recovery: Restore individual files or folders without restoring the entire VM.
• Seamless integration: Designed for Sangfor HCI infrastructure, ensuring compatibility and optimized performance.
• Robust security: Data encryption, role-based access control, and auditing for data protection.