A practical comparison

Local and cloud AI solve different problems.

The useful question is where your information should go, who will maintain the setup and how much control the workflow needs.

QuestionHosted / cloud optionLocal / private option
Where does processing happen?With the provider’s hosted service, subject to its terms and configuration.On hardware or infrastructure selected for the business, subject to its maintenance.
Who owns the maintenance work?The provider maintains the service; you still manage access, settings and workflow use.You or an appointed operator manage the machine, updates, backups and access.
What is the upfront work?Account setup, permissions and workflow configuration.Those steps plus hardware, network, model and backup decisions.
When can it fit?When a hosted service is acceptable and you value a simpler start.When data location or control is worth the extra setup and ongoing responsibility.

There is no universal winner

A local setup is not automatically cheaper, safer or better. A cloud setup is not automatically suitable for every record. Start with the workflow, classify the information and decide what your team can realistically maintain.

You pay model or subscription fees directly to your AI provider. We do not resell usage or store your passwords or tokens. You are responsible for following the terms of the AI services you use.

Need help deciding?

We can map one workflow and give you a written choice with the assumptions visible. Send an enquiry.

Before we start

Know the scope before the setup.

The starter assistant package has its own pricing page. Local deployment and hardware are scoped and quoted separately.

You pay model or subscription fees directly to your AI provider. We do not resell usage or store your passwords or tokens. You are responsible for following the terms of the AI services you use.

Full pricing and scope
Will information leave my computer?

With a cloud model, approved inputs go to the selected provider. A local model can process on selected hardware, but connectors, backups and logs still need checking. A private environment may also be hosted in the cloud. We map the data flow first.

What hardware do I need?

Start with your existing computer, rather than buying hardware first. Remote setup needs a device that can run the chosen tools, a call and an internet connection. Local model requirements are assessed separately.

How long will it take, and who maintains it?

Scope and timing are confirmed before quoting. Monthly maintenance includes agreed checks. Small agreed changes to the existing workflow are included. Anything larger is quoted before work starts.

What happens when maintenance ends?

Monthly maintenance is month to month, with no lock-in contract. Cancel any time; it stops at the end of the current billing month. Your accounts and hardware stay yours. The handover identifies which features depend on subscriptions, connectors or maintenance.

Can I book on-site setup now?

Remote service now; on-site bookings opening soon.