The Howdy Glossary

Cisco Defense Orchestrator (CDO) is a cloud-based security management solution for Cisco's network security products, including firewalls and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS). Administrators can make policy changes across multiple devices simultaneously using workflows and templates, which streamline policy creation and deployment. CDO provides a centralized interface to manage network security, reducing complexity by presenting a unified view of the network environment while offering insights into potential threats through integrated dashboarding capabilities.

Developed by Cisco Systems, CDO aligns with the company's legacy of innovative networking technologies and cybersecurity solutions tailored to global business needs. The platform underscores Cisco's commitment to enhancing network security operations' efficiency through cloud-based management tools. By centralizing control over various security appliances, CDO aims to simplify administrative tasks and improve organizations' overall security posture.

In the competitive landscape of cloud-based security management solutions, CDO stands out due to its unique features such as simultaneous multi-device policy implementation, user-friendly workflows and templates for policy creation, and an integrated dashboard that aggregates data from different devices for threat analysis. Competitors like Palo Alto Networks' Panorama, Fortinet's FortiManager, and Juniper Networks' Security Director also offer centralized policy management capabilities but vary in specific strengths catering to diverse customer requirements. These features collectively position CDO as a robust solution that effectively addresses core challenges in managing Cisco's network security products for organizations seeking operational efficiency and enhanced threat visibility.