The debate between agent and agentless backup is an ongoing discussion. In most cases, users choose agentless, but a deeper exploration reveals that changing between the two approaches might not be as difficult as it seems.
In fact, an agent-based approach has just as many features. Let’s dive deeper into the two concepts to understand why.
What is Agent-based Backup?
Agent-based backup is an approach where the user installs lightweight software on each virtual machine (VM) they want to protect. It uses software agents to protect each VM and perform backups.
Businesses use this method because it offers increased benefits when taking backups of applications inside the VMs. Additionally, it’s prevalent in a lot of legacy systems, so it can have less impact on existing IT infrastructure. Additionally, as agent-based backup is still common practice, it’s compatible with a wide range of hypervisors.
Agent-based backup can run with two types of recovery functionality:
Non-image-based Backup
Non-image-based backup, or file-based backup, is designed to recover files. It performs in-depth file recovery for deleted, corrupt, or lost files. However, it can’t recover the operating system, which can lengthen the recovery process.
Image-based Backup
Image-based backup is designed to take a complete snapshot of a server, including operating system, applications, files, settings, and metadata. It can fully replicate a system, even after a complete failure, ensuring data protection and business continuity. And that the full image is restored.
What is Agentless Backup?
Agentless backup is an approach that puts the backup intelligence in a centrally located place. It relies on custom-developed software that’s designed for each hypervisor to interact with the systems to be backed up via network protocols and APIs. It performs disk-to-disk backup from a single point of administration. The user does not need to install an agent on each individual VM, making it easier to monitor.
Agentless backup is a common choice because it is easier for IT teams to install, maintain, and manage. However, some hypervisors don’t support agentless. This is because backup software vendors only have custom engineering teams assigned to the leading hypervisor brands that have been around for many years. This presents a dilemma for many IT teams who are trying to avoid the price increases from Broadcom/VMware, since many alternative hypervisors don’t support agentless backup yet.
Is it Difficult to Switch from Agentless to Agent-based Backup?
The answer is – it isn’t!
The hypervisor industry is changing. End-users are now seeking alternative hypervisors due to growing fatigue with VMware. This is a result of Broadcom’s acquisition of the brand and changing product direction.
And it’s not the end of the world if you need to make the switch!
You can change the way your backup solution is configured to necessitate the change. You’ll be pleased to hear that running agent-based backup is manageable and not a major issue, in reality.
How to Switch to Agent-based Backup
There are a few key changes you’d need to make to your backup configuration to switch to agent-based backup. This is straightforward and importantly, if you choose the correct hypervisor vendor, they will assist you with the process.
- Install backup agents
- Configure settings
- Adjust resource allocation
- Test the system
- Train your IT team
- Create documentation
It’s only six steps!
Agent vs Agentless Backup – There’s No Correct Answer
No single answer exists for the agent vs agentless backup debate because your backup approach depends on your business needs.
For small or medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or those operating in an edge environment, an agent-based approach is easy to deploy. With fewer VMs in your IT environment and no large datacenter to manage, this method works well.
Additionally, most major backup software providers offer agent-based backup, making it a common practice. This approach offers greater choice and flexibility, allowing you to prioritize cost-saving and simplicity when making your decision.
Choosing Between Agent vs Agentless Backup
Ultimately, several factors determine whether to choose agent-based or agentless backup. Some of the most common are:
- Hypervisor capabilities
- Age of the system
- Existing backup strategy
- Limitations of the current backup software
- Compatibility of backup software
- The overall IT environment
- Simplicity and management capabilities
- Pricing and IT spend
It’s key to understand where your chosen approach will fit into your overall backup strategy and company policy for managing any major changes.
If you’re still trying to weigh up between the two, don’t be scared away just because agentless is a popular choice. It’s important to choose a backup approach that is suitable to your hyperconverged infrastructure and IT environment – be it SMB, edge, or large enterprise.
