How to obtain a Optimizely CMS SaaS developer instance (2025)

There are a spread collection of how to work with CMS SaaS but no (current working) information how to obtain a developer instance. Here is how.

Introduction to CMS SaaS

Optimizely CMS SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) is the cloud-native version of Optimizely’s content management system. Unlike the traditional PaaS (Platform-as-a-Service) model, which requires you to manage hosting, scaling, and infrastructure, the SaaS version is fully managed by Optimizely. This means you can focus entirely on building and delivering digital experiences, while Optimizely handles upgrades, infrastructure, performance, and security.

With CMS SaaS, developers and content editors get a modern, API-first environment that integrates seamlessly with Optimizely’s Digital Experience Platform (DXP). It is designed for speed, scalability, and continuous delivery, making it easier to roll out updates and new features without worrying about the underlying technical setup.

Steps to perform to obtain a CMS SaaS developer instance 

1. You need access to Partner Center area *Dont have access to Partner Center?
2. Log into https://partnercenter.optimizely.com/ 
3. Navigate to Partner Request form https://partnercenter.optimizely.com/s/partner-requests 
4. Choose Sandbox Request och click next.
5. Choose SaaS CMS och fill in rest of the information.
6. Your request is sent and awaiting to be resolved.

*if you do not have access to Partner Center perhaps someone in your organization has. If not, send a request to Optimizely Support support@optimizely.com.

NB: This article is written per September 2025 and may be outdated in the future, as per many blog posts have been. Please leave a comment, if that is the case, so it can be updated.

Happy developing!