> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/virtual-machines/vmware/integration/overview.md). # 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. *** ## 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. {% hint style="warning" %} Remember that **Xopero ONE** requires **VMware version 6.7 or later** and at least an essential license. {% endhint %} *** ## 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. --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter: ``` GET https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/backup-and-recovery/virtual-machines/vmware/integration/overview.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.