Can clone VM be application backup plan?

Question

Hi, I am application developer and don't know much about virtual machine(VM). however, our application is resided on a VM. frequent patch need be apply to fix/update this application. For diaster recovery, It was suggest to backup every thing on the server. so, once server is restored, no application need be re-installed and configured.

our network administrator thinks it can be done by cloning VM. but if we want to backup the clone to a tape. it would expose VM to backup drive. any one who can access to it can erase the VM and every thing woudl be gone. it is very risky.

I would appreciate it if you could let me what you think on this or any suggestion.

Answer 1

Cloning is perfectly acceptable.

You don't have to backup to tape... It can be done to a NAS for example, and with the proper security and setup, backups cannot be deleted by unauthorized people.