This guide covers two essential administrative tasks for vCenter Server: configuring backups and managing licenses. Proper backup configuration ensures business continuity, while correct license management keeps your environment compliant.

Backup Configuration Using VAMI

Accessing VAMI

  • URL: https://vcsa.zerotohero.dev:5480
  • Login credentials:
    • Username: root
    • Password: (vCSA root password)

Backup Options

1. Manual Backup

  1. Navigate to Backup section in VAMI
  2. Supported protocols:
    • FTPS
    • HTTPS
    • SMB
    • Others

2. Configuring SMB Backup

Setting up SMB Share (Windows Server)
  1. Create backup directory
    C:\VCSA_backups
  2. Configure sharing:
    • Right-click folder → Properties → Sharing
    • Set appropriate permissions
    • Note the share path
Configuring Backup in VAMI
  1. Select “Backup Now” for manual backup
  2. Enter backup location:
    smb://192.168.1.100/VCSA_backups
  3. Provide credentials:
    • Username: administrator (use service account in production)
    • Password: (share access password)
  4. Optional: Enable backup encryption
  5. Click “Start”

3. Scheduled Backups

  1. Navigate to “Backup Schedule”
  2. Click “Configure”
  3. Set parameters:
    • Backup location
    • Credentials
    • Schedule (daily/weekly/custom)
    • Retention policy (number of backups to keep)

Backup Verification

  • Check backup destination
  • Verify backup files:
    [share]/vcenter/[vcsa_fqdn]/[timestamp]

License Management via vSphere Client

Accessing License Management

  1. Method 1:

    • Open vSphere Client menu
    • Select Administration → Licensing

  2. Method 2:

    • Click hamburger menu
    • Navigate to Administration → Licenses

Managing Licenses

Adding New Licenses

  1. Navigate to “Licenses” tab
  2. Click “Add”
  3. Enter license keys
  4. Verify license appears in inventory

Assigning Licenses

  1. Go to “Assets” tab
  2. Select asset type:
    • vCenter Server
    • ESXi hosts
    • vSAN clusters
  3. Select specific asset
  4. Click “Assign License”
  5. Choose appropriate license
  6. Confirm assignment

License Management Best Practices

  1. Maintain license inventory
  2. Monitor expiration dates
  3. Document license assignments
  4. Regular compliance checks
  5. Keep spare licenses for growth

Important Considerations

Backup Best Practices

  1. Regular backup schedule
  2. Verify backup integrity
  3. Test restore procedures
  4. Document backup configuration
  5. Secure backup storage
  6. Monitor backup success/failure

License Management Tips

  1. Centralized license tracking
  2. Regular compliance audits
  3. Plan for capacity growth
  4. Document license allocations
  5. Monitor license usage

Additional Features

Updates Management

  • Access via VAMI
  • Check for updates: Updates → Check Updates
  • Stage and install process
  • Important: Always backup before updates

vSphere Client icons:

  • Hosts and Clusters: Server icon
  • VMs and Templates: Folder icon
  • Storage: Disk icon
  • Networking: Globe icon

Remember: While this guide uses simplified examples suitable for a lab environment, production deployments should follow your organization’s security policies and use dedicated service accounts for backups and proper license management procedures.