title: Can clone VM be application backup plan?
body: <p>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.</p>
  
  <p>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.</p>
  
  <p>I would appreciate it if you could let me what you think on this or any suggestion.</p>