DocumentationExperience Cloud KCS

Accessing a sandbox environment for AEM Sites Optimizer evaluation

Last update: October 7, 2026

In Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Sites Optimizer, organizations often want to evaluate Sites Optimizer features before a full deployment. Standard sandbox programs don’t support this evaluation because they don’t include the required licensing or Real User Monitoring (RUM) data. To evaluate Sites Optimizer features, use a dedicated ASO sandbox environment that includes sample content and preconfigured workflows.

Description description

Environment

Adobe Experience Manager (AEM) Sites Optimizer (all versions)

Symptoms

  • Unable to enable ASO on a standard sandbox environment.
  • Requests for ASO access on a sandbox are denied or not fulfilled.
  • Blocked from evaluating ASO features due to missing licensing or technical prerequisites.

Cause

Standard sandboxes lack the licensing or Real User Monitoring (RUM) data required for ASO. Dedicated ASO sandboxes provide a meaningful evaluation experience with sample content and curated workflows.

Resolution resolution

Follow the steps below to resolve the issue:

  1. Confirm your organization’s eligibility for ASO access. ASO is typically available to organizations with specific entitlements, such as those participating in relevant programs or those with an ASO license.
  2. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, review your organization’s entitlements or consult your internal program administrator.
  3. If direct enablement of ASO on your standard sandbox isn’t supported, request a dedicated ASO sandbox environment through your organization’s established Adobe engagement channels. Specify that the sandbox is for evaluation, demonstration, or training purposes, and request that it be preloaded with sample content if needed.
  4. Once access is granted, you’ll receive environment details, including URLs for the ASO, AEM Author, and AEM Publish environments. Access is typically time-limited (for example, two weeks).
  5. Log in to the sandbox using the provided credentials and follow any supplied guides to explore ASO features such as Core Web Vitals, SEO, Accessibility, and Content Optimization workflows.
  6. Use the sandbox to simulate optimizations and review the impact of recommended changes in a safe environment.
  7. If you require additional time or encounter access issues, follow your organization’s process to request an extension or additional user access.
  8. To verify successful access, ensure that you can log in to the ASO interface and view sample site data and optimization opportunities.
recommendation-more-help
experience-cloud-kcs-help-kbarticles