By an IT solutions specialist at Optrics Engineering

As a trusted partner helping Canadian businesses implement ManageEngine Identity & Access Management (IAM) solutions, I’ve seen how critical the trial phase is in determining long-term success. A well-run trial gives IT teams confidence and clear justification for investment. But I’ve also seen businesses unintentionally sabotage their trials with avoidable mistakes. In this article, I’ll cover some of the most common pitfalls and how to prevent them so you can make the most of your IAM evaluation period.

What’s a common misunderstanding about the IAM trial period?

One common mistake that surprises many businesses is assuming the trial period starts from the moment they download the software. In reality, for ManageEngine IAM products, the 30-day trial begins at installation - not at download. I’ve worked with clients who delayed installation, thinking they’d already lost trial time. In truth, the trial timer only starts once the software is installed. To maximize your evaluation period, plan your installation timeline carefully and don’t hesitate to ask our team for guidance if needed.

Why do businesses often skip defining success criteria for the trial?

Another frequent misstep is starting a trial without clear objectives. Businesses download the IAM tool, install it, and begin exploring features.-.but without predefined success criteria, it’s difficult to evaluate whether the solution meets their needs. I advise clients to document specific goals before starting: for example, “Can we enforce multi-factor authentication for privileged accounts within the first week?” or “How easily can we generate user access reports for compliance audits?” Having these benchmarks ensures a focused and productive trial.

How does incomplete stakeholder involvement affect the trial?

IAM impacts multiple areas of a business - IT, HR, compliance, and more. A common mistake is limiting trial involvement to just the IT team. When other stakeholders are left out, important requirements might be missed, leading to rework later. I recommend assembling a small cross-functional team from the outset to provide input on access policies, reporting needs, and user experience expectations.

What’s the risk of underestimating deployment complexity?

Some businesses approach the trial assuming that IAM deployment is a simple plug-and-play experience. While ManageEngine’s IAM tools are designed for straightforward setup, any identity solution involves integration with existing directories, applications, and user groups. Skipping initial planning or underestimating this complexity can lead to delays and frustration. Our team provides guidance to map out integration points early in the trial.

Why is it important to test real-world scenarios during the trial?

I’ve seen trials fail to provide clear answers because the evaluation focused only on generic features rather than actual use cases. To avoid this, simulate your real-world workflows: onboarding a new employee, handling a role change, or revoking access for a departing team member. Testing these scenarios ensures the solution aligns with your day-to-day operational needs.

How can Optrics help ensure a successful IAM trial?

At Optrics, we support your trial process every step of the way. From pre-trial planning and installation guidance to post-trial purchasing decisions, our goal is to help you get the most value from your IAM investment. We also assist in configuring trial environments that reflect your production reality, so your team can make an informed choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the ManageEngine IAM trial expire if I don’t install it right away?

No. The 30-day trial period starts when you install the software, not when you download it. You can download and wait to install without losing trial time.

Can I extend the trial if I need more time?

In some cases, yes. Reach out to our sales team at Optrics, and we can work with ManageEngine to request a trial extension based on your situation.

What systems can ManageEngine IAM integrate with during the trial?

ManageEngine IAM products integrate with Active Directory, Office 365, G Suite, and many cloud and on-premises applications. Our team can help you identify the right integrations to test during your trial.

Do I need to involve compliance or HR in my IAM trial?

It’s highly recommended. IAM affects data security, privacy, and access control, all of which have compliance implications. Including these stakeholders ensures your trial meets business and regulatory requirements.

What support does Optrics provide during the IAM trial?

We provide installation assistance, trial environment planning, best-practice guidance, and ongoing check-ins to help you maximize your trial experience.

About the author: As an IT solutions specialist at Optrics Engineering, we help Canadian businesses confidently deploy ManageEngine’s award-winning tools to protect, monitor, and manage their datacenters. With a deep understanding of security for your network, IT service management, and compliance, we're passionate about guiding organizations through successful trials, smooth implementations, and optimized ROI from their digital infrastructure investments.