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.
