AI deployment · three connection patterns
AI can be connected through an API, hosted in a data centre of your choice, or deployed on equipment in your own environment. The right pattern depends on data sensitivity, budget, timeline and infrastructure; iGears defines the data route, permissions and external services before selecting models.
This iGears service is planned as a practical Asia-Pacific delivery programme aligned with the organisation’s workflows, data, responsibilities and existing systems. Final scope, timing and APAC pricing are confirmed during discovery, with pricing quoted separately in USD.
At a glance
This iGears service is planned as a practical Asia-Pacific delivery programme aligned with the organisation’s workflows, data, responsibilities and existing systems. Final scope, timing and APAC pricing are confirmed during discovery, with pricing quoted separately in USD.
Three connection patterns
Patterns can be combined in stages—for example, prove a workflow through an API, then move sensitive processing to hosted or on-site infrastructure.
Use one API route for available text, image-understanding, image-generation and tool or MCP connections, with usage-based cost. Providers, terms, data routes and billing are confirmed during solution design.
Best fit: rapid testing, lower-sensitivity work or comparing several models.
Host the application, model or controlled data layer in a data centre chosen for the market and requirements, without buying hardware. Network, backup, access and external services are documented.
Best fit: greater control without building an internal GPU operations team.
Deploy the LLM and application server in your environment, including restricted or offline operation where the selected model, licence and architecture allow it. Hardware, updates, backup and maintenance ownership are defined.
Best fit: highly sensitive data, restricted networks or the highest control requirement.
Which option fits?
| Factor | API routing | Hosted | On-site |
|---|---|---|---|
| Data sensitivity | Low to medium; confirm external API route | Medium to high; define hosting and access | High; retain in a controlled organisation environment |
| Upfront budget | Lower; begin by usage | Medium; based on hosting and compute | Higher; hardware and maintenance required |
| Time to launch | Fastest | Medium | Longer; installation, testing and handover |
| Internal IT load | Lower | Shared through the hosting and service scope | Highest; operations ownership must be explicit |
Provider availability
Model availability, enterprise plans, features and provider terms change by market. This planning summary is not a legal statement about third-party terms; every provider and data route is confirmed before connection.
Confirm that the selected provider, model and enterprise plan are available for the customer’s market and organisation type.
Do not assume that a consumer login or a service available elsewhere is supported for the project.
Document where prompts, files, logs, backups and support access can travel.
Include regional residency and organisational policy requirements.
Confirm billing entity, currency, usage limits, support and exit terms in the quotation.
Third-party availability is rechecked before order placement.
Last updated: 2026-08-27
Define during design
List input, storage, model processing, logs, backups and every external service.
Limit data, tools and administration by role, including joiner, mover and leaver handling.
Keep named review and escalation for external publication, sensitive decisions and low-confidence output.
Document model updates, spend limits, export, deletion and service termination.
FAQ
Common questions about hardware, residency, offline operation, provider choice and maintenance.
Bring one workflow, its data sensitivity, budget and IT constraints; iGears can compare the three patterns and propose a staged route.
