Private AI for companies that need control over data and operation.
Private AI means a controlled environment for models, knowledge and agents. Dependencies on platform, interfaces and contracts must be checked separately if you switch.
In brief: Private AI is an operating model, not a specific technology. Depending on the agreed configuration, data can be processed on your own servers or in a Swiss private cloud. We check data flows and model access for each integration.
Four operating models compared.
| Option | Data | Models | Fits when |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-premise | in your own data centre / server room | locally on your own nodes | regulatory requirements, highly sensitive data, existing infrastructure |
| Swiss private cloud | in a Swiss data centre, dedicated | locally in the cloud environment | Control without your own hardware |
| Hybrid | sensitive data locally, non-critical data externally | Routing per task via Swiss AI Factory | a balance of data protection and reach |
| Controlled cloud | with a provider under contract and a data processing agreement | external | non-critical tasks, quick start |
What Private AI needs.
- Clear data classes: what may go where?
- Compute nodes with enough capacity for the chosen models
- Permissions and roles shared with the data core
- Ongoing monitoring and operational support, including for local models
- A knowledge system that answers from your own documents with sources (RAG)
Control has a price – and a benefit.
Local models require investment in hardware and operation, but reduce usage fees and data protection risks. A hybrid setup splits the workload: low-cost external models for bulk tasks, local models for sensitive tasks. We calculate the scenarios for the project – without blanket figures.
More in the article “AI costs”.
Related topics.
Frequently asked questions about Private AI
Is Private AI worse than cloud AI?
Local models are good enough for many business tasks – classification, extraction, knowledge search, summarisation. Where an external model is better, Factory can use it for non-critical data.
Do we need our own hardware?
Not necessarily: a Swiss private cloud gives you control without your own server room.
Do you show internal details?
Publicly, we show the principle, layers and data flow at a high level. Internal topology, routing rules, security rules and version states stay internal.
Is it already in production?
We state the maturity of each building block openly. Phrases such as “is designed to” describe the architecture, not a client deployment. Studio, Agents and parts of Factory run in our own development and operating environment and are continuously extended. Further operating models, multiple nodes and private and local installations will follow step by step.
Data and permitted locations.
We clarify data classes, operating model and costs for your case.