FortiSIEM CMDB report definitions can be imported and exported as XML.

Can CMDB report definitions be imported or exported as XML files in FortiSIEM?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only partial reports
• D. Only for internal use

Answer: (A)

CMDB (Configuration Management Database) report definitions in FortiSIEM can indeed be imported and exported as XML files. This functionality allows for efficient management and sharing of report definitions across different installations or instances of FortiSIEM. By supporting XML format, FortiSIEM provides a standardized way to transfer configuration data, making it easier for users to maintain consistency in their reporting structures and configurations. This capability is especially useful for organizations that require standardized reports or those that are managing multiple FortiSIEM deployments. In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the capabilities of FortiSIEM regarding CMDB report definitions. Partial reports would imply that there's a limitation on what can be transferred, which is not the case as full report definitions can be exported. Similarly, stating that the reporting feature is only for internal use overlooks the versatility of XML files, which can be used for external sharing as well. Therefore, the ability to export and import complete report definitions as XML contributes to smoother operations and improved reporting workflows.

CMDB report definitions in FortiSIEM: importing and exporting them as XML

If you work with FortiSIEM and you’ve wrestled with CMDB data, you know how messy asset inventories and their reports can get over time. The good news is this: FortiSIEM supports a straightforward way to move CMDB report definitions around – using XML. Yes, you can import and export full CMDB report definitions, not just fragments. That little capability can save hours, reduce mismatch errors, and keep teams aligned across different deployments.

Let me explain what CMDB really does for Fortinet security

CMDB stands for Configuration Management Database. In the Fortinet ecosystem, it’s the single source of truth for assets, software versions, configurations, and relationships among devices. Think of it as the comprehensive catalog your security analytics rely on when you generate reports, dashboards, or threat intel feeds. When you’ve got clean, consistent CMDB data, your reports reflect reality more accurately. That means fewer false positives, quicker investigations, and better decisions about upgrades, patches, and access controls.

But here’s the thing: across multiple sites or during a big rollout, keeping CMDB data and its report definitions in sync can feel like herding cats. That’s where XML becomes your friend. XML acts as a neutral, portable format that travels well between environments. You can take a well-tuned CMDB report definition from one FortiSIEM installation and drop it into another, with the bulk of the work already done.

What exactly can be imported or exported?

In FortiSIEM, CMDB report definitions can be exported as XML files. This includes the structure of the report, the data sources it uses, filters, aggregations, and the layout that defines how the results are presented. The export captures the entire definition so you can transport it to another deployment without losing critical details. Then you can import the XML file into a FortiSIEM instance to bring that same report definition online.

Why does this matter in practice? Let me give you a scenario. Imagine you’ve built a “Vulnerable Assets by Site” report that pulls from multiple CMDB attributes: device type, firmware version, last patch date, and a risk score. You’ve perfected the filters, the sorting, and the grouping. If you need to replicate that exact report in another region, you don’t start from scratch. You export the XML, copy it to the new FortiSIEM environment, and import it. Boom—consistency across sites, fewer mistakes, faster onboarding for new locations or new teams.

A practical, bite-sized walkthrough

While the exact steps can vary a bit depending on your FortiSIEM version, here’s the general flow you can expect:

• Exporting a CMDB report definition

• Open the FortiSIEM console and navigate to the CMDB or Reports area.

• Locate the report definition you want to move, then choose the Export option.

• Save the resulting XML file to a secure location. Treat this like sensitive configuration data—control access and keep it in a versioned store.

• Importing a CMDB report definition

• In the target FortiSIEM deployment, go to the same Reports or CMDB area.

• Choose Import, then select the XML file you exported.

• FortiSIEM validates the file and adds the new report definition to the catalog. You may need to map or confirm certain data source references if your environment differs.

If you’ve ever copied a configuration by hand between systems, you know how easy it is to miss something. The XML export-import path minimizes that risk by preserving the defined structure and logic in a portable package.

Where XML shines in real-world operations

• Consistency across deployments: As organizations scale, you’ll often operate multiple FortiSIEM instances—on-prem, cloud, or hybrid. XML exports help you keep a standard set of CMDB-driven reports across all sites, reducing the drift that sneaks in when teams recreate reports manually.

• Faster onboarding and change management: New analysts or new teams can spin up the same reporting templates quickly. Instead of re-building from scratch, they import the XML and adjust only the site-specific data sources or filters.

• Version control and rollback: With XML files stored in a versioned repository, you can track changes over time. If a new report definition causes issues, you can roll back to a known good XML version and re-import.

• Collaboration across vendors and teams: When multiple admins or partners work on the same FortiSIEM ecosystem, XML files provide a clean way to share standardized reporting logic without duplicating effort.

• Disaster recovery readiness: If a FortiSIEM instance goes down and you need to restore reporting quickly, having a library of exported CMDB definitions simplifies bringing services back online with the same reporting capabilities.

What to watch out for (a few practical tips)

• Version compatibility: FortiSIEM versions evolve, and a report definition exported from one version might reference features or schemas not present in another. Before importing into a different environment, check compatibility notes. If you’re unsure, test the XML in a staging instance first.

• Data source references: A report often relies on specific CMDB attributes or data sources. When moving between environments, verify that those sources exist and have compatible schemas. You may need to adjust field mappings or source names to align with the new deployment.

• Security and access control: XML files can carry sensitive configuration details. Treat them like credentials: store them securely, restrict access, and ensure that only authorized personnel can export or import.

• Naming conventions and governance: Use consistent naming and tagging in exported definitions. A tidy catalog makes it easier for teams to find, reuse, and manage reports. A little discipline here saves friction later.

• Testing and validation: After import, run the report in the new environment to confirm that the data is populating as expected and that filters produce sensible results. It’s worth validating a few sample runs to catch any edge cases early.

Connecting the dots with broader Fortinet tools

FortiSIEM isn’t the only place CMDB data matters. When you couple CMDB report definitions with Fortinet devices and FortiGate policies, you get a fuller security picture. For instance, a CMDB-based report on device firmware versions can feed into change management workflows, helping security teams spot outdated firmware before it becomes a risk. Likewise, correlating CMDB data with threat intel can reveal exposure patterns across your network, guiding more targeted responses.

If you’ve spent time tuning alert thresholds or crafting dashboards, you know the value of reliability. XML-based import/export reinforces that reliability by enabling you to replicate proven configurations across environments. It’s a quiet, practical power move—one that pays off in smoother operations and clearer visibility.

A few more thoughts on the human side of CMDB reporting

• People first, then processes: The best reports are the ones you can trust at a glance. When you export and reuse definitions, you’re saving teammates from repetitive setup and letting them focus on interpretation and action.

• A little ritual goes a long way: Schedule periodic reviews of your exported CMDB definitions. As your network grows or shifts, your reports should reflect real changes, not stale assumptions.

• Culture of sharing: Encourage teams to maintain a shared repository of XML definitions. It reduces reinventing the wheel and sparks cross-team collaboration. You’ll often find that the most valuable reports are the ones that multiple teams actually rely on.

Walk away with a clearer picture

XML import and export for CMDB report definitions in FortiSIEM is a practical feature that quietly strengthens governance, repeatability, and collaboration in network security management. It’s not the flashiest capability, but it’s the kind of tool that makes daily operations smoother and more predictable. When you have a dependable method to move and duplicate well-tuned reports, you gain time, accuracy, and confidence in your security posture.

If you’re exploring Fortinet’s security suite, keep this in mind: the CMDB is more than a library of assets. It’s a foundation for meaningful reporting. The ability to move those report definitions in a standard XML format essentially removes a lot of the friction that used to come with multi-site deployments or evolving configurations. And that freedom—that quiet efficiency—lets you focus on the bigger picture: protecting your users, your data, and your network.

Closing thought: a simple takeaway

If you ever find yourself needing to share a robust CMDB report definition across FortiSIEM deployments, remember: export the definition as XML, then import it into the target environment. It’s a straightforward path to consistency, and in a world where networks keep growing, that consistency is priceless.