# Overview

## Account type

To integrate **VMware** hosts with **Xopero ONE**, you need an **administrator account** (root is not required). You can use an existing account, but best practice is to create a dedicated **VMware** user with admin privileges for backup and restore tasks.

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## Transport methods 

Adding **VMware** hosts is just the first step.

To fully integrate the **VMware** environment, you can install a **virtual appliance** (**VA**) on the **VMware** host — this enables faster backups using advanced transport methods like **HotAdd**. Installing the **VA** is not required for faster backups — you can also use a storage area network (SAN), though this requires proper configuration and a SAN datastore.

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Remember that **Xopero ONE** requires **VMware version 6.7 or later** and at least an essential license.
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## ESXi and vCenter servers 

If a **vCenter** server exists in your infrastructure, connect **Xopero ONE** to the **vCenter** server rather than an individual **ESXi** host. Connecting directly to an **ESXi** host when a **vCenter** server is present may cause issues.