Backing up virtual servers is an issue for storage. In many Virtual Machine environments, traditional backup methods and applications are inadequate, and contribute to storage network bottlenecks or simply do not get the job done in a timely manner.

Today, however, there are many alternatives rather than using methods designed for physical server environments. There are backup applications built from the ground up for VMs, options added to traditional backup applications that allow backing up both physical and virtual servers, and cloud and hybrid cloud offerings.