AIC vs Totem: CMMC Alternatives, Pricing, and Reviews
Head-to-head Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) comparison: Analog Informatics Corporation (AIC) versus Totem. Totem sells compliance software and services for small defense contractors, including HRDN-IT. AIC sells the systems that produce the evidence. The CMMC scorecard is on CMMC software comparison.
At a Glance
| Criterion | AIC Level 2 | Totem | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Published or reported tracker Year 1 | Included in $19,800 | HRDN-IT $6,495 to $19,995 per year [1] | Totem on a tracker-only invoice |
| CUI email and file sharing | Included | Not in published plans | AIC |
| Privileged vault, sessions, and elevation | Included | Not in published plans | AIC |
| Configuration compliance with repair | Included | Not in published plans | AIC |
| Assessment Binder from live records | Included | Documentation | AIC |
| Hosted offer that can be retired | Software you run | ZCaaS reported as sunset [1] | AIC |
What each product does
Totem helps document and track CMMC. AIC CMMC Level 2 is the complete kit: the tools that create the evidence (CUI email, files, privileged access, configuration compliance on connecting machines, training) and the Assessment Binder that shows it, on one server.
How AIC wins this deal
Order AIC CMMC Level 2 (or Level 1 if you handle only Federal Contract Information). Deploy in Azure or on your hardware. Connecting-machine scans, training attestations, and privileged-session records write into the Assessment Binder. You do not buy a tracker and then shop for the runtime.
Year 1 in 2026: Level 1 $1,788; Level 2 $19,800. A June 2026 review reports Totem HRDN-IT at $6,495 to $19,995 per year plus a Level 2 gap assessment at $21,200 [1], still without the runtime kit.
Upgrade path. Start with Free, then Level 2 compliance tracking ($119 per month), Level 2 Essentials ($499 per month), Level 2 ($1,650 per month), and Level 3. Level 1 and AIC Privileged Access ($89 per privileged user per month; five-user minimum) can also upgrade in place to Level 2. Records carry over. Evidence from connecting machines, training and attestation, privileged sessions, Incident Response, and the Assessment Binder stays in one product. Session Recording is not included in Free, Tracking, Essentials, Level 1, or Level 2; it is included only in Level 3 with isolated Jump.
Why defense contractors and MSPs choose AIC
- Tools that run the controls, not only track them. AIC Level 2 includes the systems that create the evidence: vault, privileged sessions, endpoint elevation, configuration compliance, training, and the Assessment Binder.
- Startup fees waived for 2026. On every CMMC package ordered on or before December 31, 2026.
- Deploy your way. On your own hardware (on-premises), or in your Microsoft Azure subscription, ready to configure in under 5 minutes.
- You stay in control. You own the infrastructure, the encryption keys, and the audit records.
- A stable product. Your program does not depend on a hosted offer that can be retired.
- MSP and partner friendly. Partner discounts on every sale and every renewal, a higher discount on registered deals, and unlimited free support for partners.
- Low-risk, experienced vendor. Our developers and support engineers have built standard security software for prime contractors, Defense Industrial Base (DIB) suppliers, and the Intelligence Community for more than 30 years. Building cybersecurity software since 1993.
- You guide the roadmap. Features we do not have yet are marked Planned and built in the order customers ask for them.
Totem pricing
| Totem offer | Reported price |
|---|---|
| HRDN-IT | $6,495 to $19,995 per year, as reported June 26, 2026 [1] |
| Level 2 gap assessment service | $21,200 [1] |
| Zero-trust compliance as a service (ZCaaS) | Reported as sunset [1] |
What a Level 2 program still needs
| Need | Totem HRDN-IT | AIC Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Compliance tracking and documentation | Yes | Available now, from live evidence |
| CUI email and file sharing | Not in published plans | Available now |
| Vault for server, network, and local admin passwords, with rotation | Not in published plans | Available now |
| Brokered SSH, RDP, and VNC sessions with command restriction | Not in published plans | Available now |
| Endpoint privilege elevation on Windows, Mac, and Unix/Linux | Not in published plans | Available now |
| Configuration compliance with repair | Not in published plans | Available now |
| Training assignment, attestation, and reminders | See vendor | Available now |
Price comparison
| Item | Totem | AIC Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Software, Year 1 | $6,495 to $19,995 [1] | $19,800, or $16,830 on a yearly prepay |
| Gap assessment service | $21,200 [1] | Not included; the Assessment Binder organizes evidence for your assessor |
| CUI email, files, privileged access, configuration compliance | Separate purchase | Included |
Totem Alternatives, Pricing, Cheaper Alternative, Reviews, and GCC High Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Totem cost?
A June 2026 review reports HRDN-IT at $6,495 to $19,995 per year and a Level 2 gap assessment at $21,200 [1].
What happened to Totem ZCaaS?
The same review reports the ZCaaS offer as sunset [1]. Confirm current status with Totem.
What are Totem alternatives for CMMC?
Alternatives depend on whether you need secure email and files, compliance tracking, privileged access, or an integrated CMMC kit. This page compares the published scope of Totem with AIC CMMC Complete.
What is Totem pricing for CMMC?
The Totem pricing and package facts available for this comparison are listed above with source links and a retrieval date. Confirm current pricing and terms directly with the vendor.
Is there a cheaper alternative to Totem for CMMC?
For the sourced 25-user Level 2 bundle comparison dated October 9, 2026, AIC Level 2 is $19,800 in Year 1 with the startup waiver, or $16,830 with yearly prepayment. The right comparison depends on included users, systems, and product scope.
How does Totem compare with GCC High?
Totem and Microsoft GCC High serve different parts of a CMMC environment. This page compares Totem to AIC by the stated product scope; the GCC High page covers tenant and cloud boundary considerations.
Where can I find Totem reviews?
This page is a sourced comparison of published capabilities and prices, not a user-review rating. For user reviews, use an independent review platform and check the review date and product edition.
Help set our roadmap
Customers guide our feature set. If you need something we list as Planned, or something we do not list at all, tell us. Requests from customers and partners decide what we build next.
Request a feature | Request a demo | See CMMC pricing | All comparisons
Sources and notes
- Totem CMMC review: HRDN-IT $6,495 to $19,995 per year as of June 26, 2026; ZCaaS sunset; Level 2 gap assessment $21,200. https://thedefensecompliancereport.com/totem-cmmc-review/. Retrieved 2026-10-09.
About this comparison
Competitor information comes from the public sources listed above and was collected on October 9, 2026. Prices, packages, and features change, and resellers may quote different prices. This information is not guaranteed to be accurate or complete. Confirm current terms with each vendor before you buy. AIC prices are list prices from the AIC CMMC price list dated October 9, 2026.
Totem and HRDN-IT are trademarks of their owners. All other product and company names are trademarks of their owners. AIC is not affiliated with or endorsed by them.
An assessment organization, certification body, or regulator decides whether a requirement is satisfied. These pages describe product availability. They are not an assessment result, a certification, or legal advice.