Two different arrangements.
CLOSED MODELS
Accessible only as a service. You send input, receive output, and cannot inspect or run the model yourself.
Generally the most capable available.
OPEN MODELS
Available to download and run yourself. Weights published, sometimes with restrictions on use.
WHAT OPEN MODELS OFFER
Data never leaves your systems No per-use cost No dependency on a provider Ability to modify
WHAT THEY REQUIRE
Hardware Technical capability to set up and maintain Acceptance of lower capability than the largest hosted models
THE TERMINOLOGY CAUTION
"Open" is used loosely. Some models are freely downloadable with restrictions on commercial use.
Read the licence.
WHO SHOULD CONSIDER OPEN MODELS
Organisations with confidentiality constraints High-volume simple tasks where cost matters Situations with poor connectivity
FOR MOST USERS
A hosted service is simpler, more capable and adequate.
