Clone VMs with Ease: Free VMware Backup Software – AOMEI Cyber Backup
VMware ESXi is a widely used virtualization platform that enables businesses to consolidate and optimize the server infrastructure. ESXi is designed to run directly on server hardware without the need for an underlying operating system. It acts as a thin layer between the physical hardware and the virtual machines running on it. One of the essential features of ESXi is the ability to clone virtual machines, allowing for rapid provisioning and scalability.
The type of VM to clone in VMware ESXi
In VMware ESXi, there are two types of cloned virtual machines: linked clones and full clones. These cloning methods allow you to create multiple copies of an existing virtual machine, each with its own set of characteristics and benefits.
Linked clones are a type of clone that shares virtual disks with the parent or source virtual machine. When you create a linked clone, only the differences between the clone and the parent are stored, which helps save storage space. The linked clone references the parent’s virtual disk, and any changes made to the linked clone are written to a separate disk called the delta disk or redo log. Linked clones are useful when you need to create and run multiple virtual machines quickly and efficiently, such as in VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) deployments.
Full clones, as the name suggests, are complete and independent copies of the source virtual machine. When you create a full clone, a new set of virtual disks is created, and the clone is completely separate from the source. Full clones do not share any disk space with the parent virtual machine, so they provide complete isolation and independence. Full clones are useful when you need to create standalone virtual machines that are not dependent on the source virtual machine.
Both linked clones and full clones have their advantages and use cases. It’s important to note that the availability of these cloning methods may vary depending on the specific version and licensing level of VMware ESXi you are using.
Easier way to clone ESXi VM with a backup and restore software
While cloning VMs directly within VMware ESXi is a viable option, it can sometimes be a complex and time-consuming process, especially for less experienced users. To simplify the cloning process, you can leverage the free VMware backup software – AOMEI Cyber Backup that offers intuitive interfaces and streamlined workflows.
AOMEI Cyber Backup is a reliable and user-friendly backup and restore software that supports VMware ESXi. It provides a straightforward method to clone VMs, allowing you to save time and effort. It supports Hyper-V (2012 and later) in Windows as well as VMware ESXi (6.0 and above) while offering the following benefits:
- Support Free ESXi: Support both paid and free versions of VMware ESXi.
- Agentless VMware Backup: Create complete and independent image-level backup for VMware ESXi VMs.
- Automated Hot Backup: Auto backup running VMs and notify via email.
- Instant Recovery: Once the VMware crashes, quickly restore VMware to normal state and reduce business-critical downtime.
With AOMEI Cyber Backup, you can perform VM cloning with just a few simple steps. The next part will give you the details of steps to clone your ESXi VM via AOMEI Cyber Backup.
Steps to clone ESXi VM via AOMEI Cyber Backup
Please follow these steps to clone an ESXi VM using AOMEI Cyber Backup. Firstly, log in to AOMEI Cyber Backup web console and navigate to Source Device from the main interface to bind ESXi host. Then navigate to Backup Task to Create New Task ( VMware ESXi Backup/Hyper-V VM Backup) and configure the backup setting such as Task Name, Device, Target, Schedule, and Cleanup according to your needed. Once the backup is complete, you can restore the VM to the original location, effectively cloning the VM.
AOMEI Cyber Backup simplifies the cloning process by automating the necessary steps and providing a user-friendly interface, making it accessible to all skill levels.
Summary
In conclusion, VMware ESXi clone VM is a valuable feature that allows for efficient provisioning and scalability. With the right knowledge and software, cloning VMs in VMware ESXi becomes a straightforward process, empowering businesses to optimize the virtual infrastructure efficiently. Consider leveraging backup and restore software like AOMEI Cyber Backup to simplify the cloning process and enhance your virtualization experience.