Comparison
The alternative to cloud AI: local, offline and GDPR compliant.
Cloud AI services are powerful tools, but they run on someone else’s servers. When sensitive company data is involved, local AI is worth a look: you can build and run it yourself, or use a ready-configured solution such as the Sinabox.
Cloud AI and the Sinabox compared
| Cloud AI | Sinabox | |
|---|---|---|
| Where data is processed | The provider’s servers | In your own building |
| Internet connection | Required | Not needed after initial setup, website retrieval on request |
| Billing | Depends on plan, usually per user or usage | Fixed monthly price from €500 excl. VAT, hardware included, no daily limit |
| Setup | Instant with an account | Preconfigured, 1 to 2 weeks |
| Models | The provider’s current models | Open language model, installed locally |
When the cloud is enough
For general text without confidential content, such as drafts, brainstorming or translating public material, a cloud service is often the simpler choice. You need no hardware of your own, can start right away and can try out individual accounts with little effort. The strongest cloud models can also do more for some tasks. Many companies therefore do not have to choose just one route: non-critical tasks run in the cloud, while sensitive data stays in-house.
When the Sinabox pays off
- Your team works with contracts, quotes, HR or customer data.
- You do not want to depend on providers from the US or Asia.
- You want fixed costs instead of usage-based billing.
- Answers should be backed by sources from your own documents.
Read more about local AI for SMEs.
