How to Build vSphere RBAC Self-Service Backup Portal

What is RBAC in vSphere?

Role-based access control (RBAC) is a security model that grants permissions based on user roles rather than individual identities. It allows administrators to assign different levels of access to users or groups from full administrator rights to read-only access for monitoring purpose.

With RBAC, you can:

• Control who can back up or restore specific virtual machines.
• Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive infrastructure.
• Delegate tasks without giving up full administrative control.

What is a Self-Service Backup Portal?

A self-service backup portal is a web-based interface where users can:

• Log in with their credentials.
• View only the VMs they are permitted to manage.
• Initiate on-demand backups or restores.
• Monitor backup status and reports.

Why Combine RBAC with a Self-Service Backup Portal

Combining RBAC with a self-service portal creates a secure, scalable backup solution for vSphere environments.

✅ Benefit	Description
🔐 Security	Restrict access based on user role or department
⚡ Efficiency	Users manage their backup tasks without waiting for IT
📊 Transparency	Track backup activities by user
🧩 Scalability	Onboard more users without overwhelming backup admins

AOMEI Cyber Backup: The Ideal Self-Service Backup Solution for vSphere

When implementing a vSphere RBAC self-service backup portal, AOMEI Cyber Backup stands out as a cost-effective, user-friendly, and powerful solution.

✨Key Features of AOMEI Cyber Backup:
Full VMware vSphere & ESXi Support
Agentless backup and restore for VMs
Compatible with vCenter and standalone ESXi hosts
Clean interface for non-admin users
Scheduled & Automated Backups
Set policies based on time, frequency, or retention rules
Email alerts for success/failure events

How to Configure vSphere RBAC Self-Service Backup Portal

Step 1. Download AOMEI Cyber Backup, and install it on a Windows Server or workstation.

Step 2. Navigate to Source Device > VMware > + Add VMware Device to add vCenter or Standalone ESXi host as the source device. And click Confirm.

Step 3. Navigate to Systems > User Management > + Create Account.

• Backup Operator: Can create/execute backup jobs.
• Restore Operator: Can perform VM restores.
• Viewer: Read-only access.

Step 4. Navigate to Backup Task > + Create New Task, then set Task Name, Backup Type, Device, Target, and Schedule.

• Device: You can back up multiple VMs on the host.
• Target: You can select to back up to a local path, or a network path. Used paths will be saved in Favorite Storage for handy selection.
• Schedule: You can choose to perform full, differential, or incremental backup, and automate execution daily, weekly, or monthly according to the frequency you specified.

Step 5. Click Start Backup, and you can select Add the schedule and start backup now, or Add the schedule only.

Conclusion

Providing a secure, role-based, self-service backup portal is not a luxury in modern vSphere environments, it is a necessity. It saves time, reduces IT workload, and empowers users to protect their data.

AOMEI Cyber Backup makes this transition easy. With comprehensive RBAC support, intuitive self-service access, and reliable automation, it's a great solution for businesses looking to optimize VM backup and instant recovery.