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VCF 9 Deployment Guide

Backup Integration

Backup Integration for VCF 9

Supported Backup Solutions

Veeam Backup & Replication v13

  • New appliance-based deployment (OVA) eliminates Windows OS dependency
  • Deploy directly to VCF 9 environment on vSAN principal storage
  • Configure via vCenter FQDN using vsphere.local service account
  • Supports VMware NSX-T 3.0+ with VDS for VMware vSphere

Dell PowerProtect

  • Integration with Veeam Availability Suite for Dell storage customers
  • Reduces RPO/RTO through technology integration
  • Supports VMware Cloud on AWS/Dell deployments

Commvault

  • Data Import app can import Veeam backup jobs (Professional Services engagement required)
  • No direct VCF 9 native integration documented
  • Migration path: restore Commvault backups as VMs, then reprotect with target solution

Native vSAN Data Protection

  • Included in VCF license (no additional cost)
  • Requires vSAN ESA in VCF environment
  • Local snapshot-based protection with immutability options

VCF Management Backup

SDDC Manager Backup (VCF 9.0)

  • SDDC Manager UI deprecated; use VCF Operations or vSphere Client
  • File-based daily backups via SFTP server
  • Access: VCF Operations → Fleet Management → Lifecycle → Settings → Backup Settings
  • Default schedule: Daily at 04:02 AM plus after each state change
  • Coordinate backup jobs within 5-minute window across SDDC Manager and vCenter instances

Additional Components

  • Fleet Manager, Identity Broker, and Automation: Configure under Fleet Management → Lifecycle → Settings
  • NSX Manager: File-based backup coordination required
  • Management Node: Restore available via Fleet Management → Lifecycle → Settings → Management Node Backup

Restore Process

  • Deploy fresh SDDC Manager appliance
  • SSH as vcf user, switch to root
  • Edit restore_status.json and obtain authentication token
  • Validate with: sudo /opt/vmware/sddc-support/sos --health-check

VM/Workload Backup

vSAN Data Protection

  • Protection groups define VM protection outcomes
  • Control frequency and retention schedules
  • Immutability via checkbox (protects against malicious activities)
  • Up to 200 snapshots per VM

vSAN-to-vSAN Replication (New in VCF 9.0)

  • Cross-cluster replication for disaster recovery
  • RPOs as low as 1 minute with deep snapshots
  • Near-instantaneous recovery capabilities
  • Single VMware Live Recovery appliance manages lifecycle

VMware Live Recovery

  • Integrates tightly with vSAN for differentiated benefits
  • Full DR orchestration with automated recovery
  • On-premises cyber recovery for data sovereignty compliance
  • VMware Validated Solution for isolated clean room operations

Best Practices

  1. Configure backups immediately after deployment - First administrative task priority
  2. Monitor SFTP storage utilization - Ensure capacity for retention period
  3. Coordinate backup windows - All management components within 5-minute window
  4. Enable immutability - Foundation for cyber resilience against ransomware
  5. Leverage native vSAN Data Protection - Already licensed, no additional cost
  6. Single appliance strategy - VCF 9.0 consolidates protection into one appliance
  7. Test restore procedures - Validate health checks return green status

Sources