CionSystems GPO Manager is an Active Directory Group Policy Object (GPO) management tool that extends native Microsoft Group Policy capabilities. It provides version control, backup/restore, and workflow-based change management for GPOs, Scope of Management links, and WMI filters within Active Directory environments. The tool allows administrators to check in/check out GPOs to prevent simultaneous editing conflicts, lock GPOs to block unauthorized changes, and cloak pre-production GPOs from non-authorized personnel. Side-by-side version comparisons enable auditing of GPO changes over time, and all GPO settings are archived for history tracking. An approval-based workflow system enforces change management practices before GPO deployment, with configurable stages for editing, cloaking/uncloaking, and locking/unlocking. Workflow actions support commenting and email notifications at each stage. Approved changes can be scheduled for immediate or deferred deployment. GPO Manager supports role-based delegation, allowing administrators to grant read, edit, apply, and delete permissions on GPOs to specific users or groups. It also provides delegation for GPO creation and WMI filter application. The tool includes built-in reporting, advanced categorization of GPOs (linked, unlinked, orphaned, disabled, deleted), replication across domain controllers, and preconfigured policy templates for application hardening. It operates as a Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in or as a standalone application. Compliance support is addressed for frameworks including ITIL, MOF, SOX, Basel II, HIPAA, and C-198. Note: GPO Manager functionality has been rolled into the CionSystems Enterprise Identity Manager product.