Shared model API or dedicated deployment: an enterprise checklist

Start with the shared API requirements

A shared API can help a team test multiple models and manage keys, budgets and usage without owning model infrastructure. List the required models, traffic profile, data classes and compliance conditions, then confirm account authorization and service terms.

When to discuss dedicated capacity

Sustained high load, specific isolation requirements, private network boundaries, model customization or a capacity commitment may justify a dedicated design. Compare GPU utilization, idle periods, model upgrades, monitoring, recovery and operations staff, not just a per-request price.

Prepare a decision brief

Bring average and peak traffic, latency targets, retention requirements, model choices, region and budget. RelayAI dedicated GPU arrangements are currently a planning and consultation topic. Architecture, delivery scope, pricing and SLA require a separate agreement; this article does not claim a generally available product.