VMware Backup Limitation: Free ESX(i) Server Not Supported

VMware Backup Limitation: Free ESX(i) Server Not Supported

KB ID: 105004
Summary:
This knowledge base article addresses the limitation in BDRShield when attempting to back up virtual machines from free ESX(i) Server versions. The article explains that BDRShield does not support the backup of virtual machines hosted on free ESX(i) Server versions due to VMware's restrictions on vStorage API usage in free vSphere hypervisors.
Cause:
The inability to perform VMware backups of virtual machines on free ESX(i) Server versions in BDRShield is attributed to VMware's policy of limiting vStorage API usage for free vSphere hypervisors.
Solution:
To address this limitation, users are advised to consider the following steps:
1. Upgrade ESX(i) Server to a Licensed Version:
  1. As the free version of ESX(i) Server lacks compatibility with BDRShield, upgrading to a licensed version is essential.
  2. This upgrade will enable users to utilize the full functionality of BDRsuite and perform backups of virtual machines seamlessly.
By upgrading to a licensed version of ESX(i) Server, users can overcome the restriction posed by VMware's vStorage API limitations and successfully schedule backups of their virtual machines using BDRShield.