EDIT: NetSuite no longer offers a free SDN membership.
I’ve been using NetSuite since 2004, and have long wished to have a simple test account that I could do anything I wanted in. As far as I know, here are the major ways that one can get a test or sandbox account with NetSuite:
- Sandbox Account – Companies with a NetSuite account can pay extra to have access to a sandbox version, where they take a snapshot of your current database and copy it to a test server (on demand, usually takes a few days to a week). This can be a great way to test out incremental modifications to your existing set up, and can give you a chance to see if it conflicts with other customizations.
- Become a NetSuite solution provider – This is a program for companies that sell and implement NetSuite for their customers. It costs $3,000 – $10,000 a year, and comes with unlimited testdrive accounts. It also has minimums for NetSuite sales, so it’s not for everyone.
- Take a NetSuite training class – I have taken a few in person and online training classes from NetSuite, and as part of the class, we were given access to our own test drive account to follow along the training in. My account was deactivated after a few months, but it was useful while I had access.
And finally, my favorite: - Join the SuiteCloud developer network – NetSuite has discontinued the free version of the SDN membership, so now you must join at either the select ($3k/year) or Premiere ($10k/yr) levels to get demo accounts.
Why Get a Test Drive Account?
Since NetSuite has discontinued the free SDN membership, it is now only for medium to large NetSuite consulting companies, not individual developers.
More from Fourth Wave
NetSuite Global Search Tips
BatchIt (Reconcile Amazon Batch Payments With Ease)
Netsuite 2020.2 Update: Data-center URL deprecation + What You Need To Know
Site Builder Performance Upgrades
NetSuite Announces Plans to End Promotion Functionality for Site Builder
Protect Your Online Forms from Bots & Spam
The following two tabs change content below.
David Norris
Owner at Fourth Wave Consulting
I have been working with computers and web sites for 20+ years, and have enjoyed mastering many areas of technology. I have been building websites for about 15 years, and working with NetSuite for more than 10. I have worked with dozens of small and medium-sized companies in that time, helping them to understand and leverage the latest tools to grow their business. My business is all about helping you to maximize your business, and I prefer to establish long-term relationships with clients who are dedicated to embracing smart ways to optimize and expand their business.
Latest posts by David Norris (see all)
- NetSuite Announces Plans to End Promotion Functionality for Site Builder - January 16, 2020
- Most NetSuite Websites Are No Longer Tracking Safari Conversions for Adwords - November 20, 2017
- Make Your NetSuite Site Builder Site Secure – HTTPS Throughout - May 28, 2017
- An Introduction to Automating XML Sitemaps for NetSuite Companies - November 13, 2016
- An Introduction to NetSuite’s Reference Checkout & My Account Bundles - April 18, 2016
Thank for the useful article David. I’m a relative NetSuite newbie and just received a quote to get the Sandbox option, which is quite expensive. I’ve also heard that the performance/response time of their sandbox is slow and makes for a rather cumbersome testing experience.
What is your experience/take on this?
Hello Helen,
Thanks for the question. In my experience, the sandbox account does run significantly slower than a live account. Sometimes a saved search or report will time out, but most of the time the slowness is a minor inconvenience. I haven’t run into any situations where I was unable to complete my testing in the sandbox account, but most of the time it did take longer than it would have otherwise.
I would recommend the sandbox for companies who have invested a lot into customization and scripting, and need to test complex bundles and solutions on a regular basis. Keep in mind that NetSuite gives you access to a beta copy of your account twice a year for several weeks, which works exactly like the sandbox. If your testing needs can be satisfied with a combination of the beta and a test drive account, then the sandbox might not be necessary.
hI i WANT to use the NETSUITE ERP wiht JSON. Could u please tell me how i integrate it with .net c#.
Please provide step by step guide
hello david: thankyou for your post – I found it most helpful.
—
Question: How does one get access to a Test Drive Account? All links are leading into sales calls which i am not interested in. I am use to working with Salesforce.com and they allow you a free Developer Account but I cannot find anything similar for NetSuite or even a trial for x days without sales bothering you. I use to deploy ERPs preSAAS and so want to play and teach myself as I have just finished reading Thomas Foydel’s NetSuite OneWorld implementation and I am now curious.
Thankyou.
Hello,
Thanks for the question. Start by going to the suitecloud page: https://www.netsuite.com/portal/developers/sdn.shtml and apply for membership.
thanks David. Sadly that does not work. I filled the form a few days back and heard nothing. I think it does not like my gmail email and it appears to be geared for USA or UK phone numbers.
hello David, I signed up to SDN using the link you provided about 3 days before Christmas break. Monday (after new year) I received an email so I thought I had access. not sure it’s access to something but looks like a user group that’s hardly used not an SDN. the login doesn’t give me access to netsuite developer account.
I’m wondering if you would be extra helpful and log a post on SDN saying someone has been trying to get access but unsuccessful. who do I contact to get assistance?
if you could that be super
thankyou
pen
Hello,
Unfortunately, your situation seems to be fairly common. I’ve talked to a number of people who have had difficulties signing up for the test drive account. when I did it, they first gave me access to the SDN usergroup (which, as you noticed, no one really uses). it was a few weeks after that that the test drive account came through, so it might still happen for you.
I don’t know any specific contact info for whoever manages this at NetSuite, but you might try filling out the inquiry form for the ‘select’ SDN membership. Someone will at least read it.
Hi David,
I am netsuite developer and need Community account.
I filled the form a 25 days back and heard nothing.
It Would be great help for me, if you can guide me on this ?
Thanks.
Regards,
Yatin
Hello Yatin,
Unfortunately there isn’t much we can do at this point, unless you have an account manager or someone else you can contact at NetSuite about this. I have heard from other developers who filled out the form and never heard back as well. Have you tried the ‘chat now’ option on the SDN page?
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/developers/sdn.shtml
Thanks for quick response david. But i could not find any ‘chat now’ option on the SDN page !
Yatin
I guess they removed the chat link… The only other thing I would suggest is to call the main number – 877-638-7848. Maybe they can help you find the right person to talk to.
Oww ok.
Thanks David.