Simple definition
FortiManager is Fortinet’s centralized management platform for administering multiple FortiGate devices from a single control point.
Technical definition
FortiManager maintains a configuration database and centrally manages devices, objects, and security policies. ADOMs (Administrative Domains) separate administrative scopes, while policy packages group rules that can be assigned and installed on managed FortiGate devices. FortiManager also keeps configuration revisions and supports controlled deployment of changes.
What is it used for?
Standardize configurations, manage multiple FortiGate devices or VDOMs, delegate administration, and deploy consistent policies at scale.
Practical example
An organization manages twenty FortiGate devices. The administrator edits an object and policy package in the correct ADOM, reviews the changes, and installs them to the selected firewalls instead of editing each FortiGate separately.
Common issues
- FortiManager database is out of sync with the FortiGate
- Policy package assigned to the wrong device or VDOM
- Object or version mismatch between the ADOM and managed devices
- Configuration installation fails or is only partially applied
Key takeaway: With FortiManager, always distinguish the management database from the configuration currently installed on the FortiGate.