Embodiments of the invention provide a vertical cable manager for routing cables or wires. The vertical cable manager includes a vertical trough with sets of fingers. The fingers include arrow-shaped ends, which allow installation and/or removal of cables and wires, while retaining the cables and wires in cable rings. In some embodiments, a door attached to the vertical cable manager can be removable from one or both sides of the trough. In some embodiments, the vertical cable manager can include removable spools that can be attached to the trough in various positions and configurations.