The WatchGuard Management Server enables you to centrally manage multiple Fireboxes and VPN tunnels of a distributed enterprise from one easy-to-use management interface. You can manage different types of WatchGuard Fireboxes.
The computer that is configured as the Management Server also operates as a Certificate Authority (CA). The CA gives certificates to managed devices when they contact the Management Server to receive configuration updates.
For compatibility, make sure the WatchGuard System Manager client is the same version as the Management Server. For information about system requirements for WatchGuard System Manager installation, see the System Requirements list in the Fireware Release Notes. You can find the Release Notes for the latest version of Fireware OS on the Fireware Release Notes page of the WatchGuard website.
Install the Management Server
You can install the Management Server software on any computer that uses the Windows operating system. You do not have to install it on the computer that is your management computer (the computer on which you install the WatchGuard System Manager software). We recommend that you install the Management Server software on a computer with a static IP address that is behind an Firebox with a static external IP address. Otherwise, the Management Server might not operate correctly.
When you run the WatchGuard System Manager Setup program to Install WatchGuard System Manager Software, you choose which client and server components you want to install. In the Server Components list, make sure you select Management Server.
If you have already installed WatchGuard System Manager (WSM) and did not install the Management Server, you can still install the Management Server.
- Install WatchGuard System Manager Software.
- In the installer, select the WatchGuard Management Server check box.
Set Up and Configure the Management Server
To set up the Management Server and any other servers you installed, run the WatchGuard Server Center Setup Wizard. To start the wizard, in the system tray, right-click 
and select Open WatchGuard Server Center.
For instructions to set up the Management Server, and other WatchGuard System Manager servers, go to Set Up WatchGuard Servers.
For instructions to configure Management Server settings after you run the setup wizard, go toConfigure Settings for the Management Server.