Is there a server-manager panel or software blade that provides a server administrator the ability to manage the firewall? (I.e., open or close specific ports.)
No, firewall management is automatic. If a service is enabled, then the relevant ports are opened, if not, then they are closed (packets are dropped). All outbound connections are permitted, and masqueraded, which is what most sites want. The only inbound connections permitted are those to services which are enabled for public access.
@!#$ E-smith