On-Prem Models vs DeepSeek API
Teams choose between self-hosted open-weight models and DeepSeek’s API. The right path depends on data residency, engineering capacity, and traffic shape.
When API fits
Low to medium volume, fast time-to-value, and acceptable use of a vendor endpoint with contractual DPA terms. Good for pilots and departmental tools.
When on-prem fits
Strict data-boundary requirements, predictable high volume, or integration with existing GPU clusters. Budget for ops, monitoring, and model updates.
Hybrid pattern
Prototype on API; move only stable, high-volume jobs to self-hosted inference once requirements are clear.