The operational model for On-Premise AI can vary depending on your requirements and resources. Most companies choose a Managed Service model with full remote maintenance, while others prefer Co-Management or Self-Service.
Operational model options
1. Managed Service (Fully managed)
What’s included:
- Full remote maintenance and monitoring
- Software updates and security patches
- Proactive monitoring and problem detection
- Technical support
- Backup and disaster recovery
Your responsibility:
- Hardware provision (or leasing)
- Power supply and cooling
- Network connection
Advantages:
- Minimal internal resources required
- Professional maintenance without in-house expertise
- Fast response times for problems
- Focus on business applications instead of IT administration
Ideal for:
- Companies without a dedicated IT team
- Companies that want to focus on business applications
- Regulated industries with compliance requirements
2. Co-Management (Shared management)
Shared responsibility:
- External: Maintenance, updates, monitoring
- Internal: Day-to-day administration, configuration, user management
Flexible split:
- You decide which tasks are internal/external
- Adaptable to your resources and requirements
Advantages:
- Balance between control and support
- Learn the system
- Flexibility in task distribution
Ideal for:
- Companies with IT team but limited AI expertise
- Companies that want to take on more responsibility gradually
- Companies with specific requirements
3. Self-Service (Self-managed)
Your responsibility:
- Full administration
- Maintenance and updates
- Monitoring and support
External support:
- Initial installation and configuration
- Training and documentation
- Optional: Support on demand
Advantages:
- Maximum control
- Lower ongoing costs
- Full customisability
Ideal for:
- Companies with strong IT team
- Companies with specific requirements
- Companies with existing AI expertise
Typical operational model: Managed Service
What’s included in the monthly maintenance?
24/7 remote monitoring:
- System monitoring (Prometheus, Grafana)
- Performance metrics
- Automatic alerts
Remote maintenance:
- Software updates
- Security patches
- Configuration adjustments
- Troubleshooting
Remote support:
- Technical support via email/phone
- VPN-secured access to dashboards
- Remote logging and analysis
Backup and disaster recovery:
- Regular backups
- Disaster recovery tests
- Data backup
Your responsibility
Hardware:
- Hardware provision (purchase or leasing)
- Physical installation (or by us)
Infrastructure:
- Power supply
- Cooling (if required)
- Network connection
Business applications:
- User management
- Integration into existing systems
- Application development
Operational model comparison
| Aspect | Managed Service | Co-Management | Self-Service |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Fully external | Shared | Internal |
| Monitoring | 24/7 external | Shared | Internal |
| Support | Included in maintenance | Partial | Optional |
| Costs | Higher (maintenance) | Medium | Lower |
| Control | Externally managed | Shared | Fully internal |
| Resources | Minimal internal | Partially internal | Fully internal |
Recommendation by company size
Small companies (<20 employees)
Recommended: Managed Service
- Minimal internal IT resources
- Focus on business applications
- Professional maintenance without in-house expertise
Mid-size companies (20–100 employees)
Recommended: Managed Service or Co-Management
- Depends on IT resources
- Managed Service for business focus
- Co-Management for gradual learning
Large companies (100+ employees)
Recommended: Co-Management or Self-Service
- Stronger IT team available
- More control desired
- Specific requirements
Migration between models
Flexibility
You can switch between models:
- Start with Managed Service
- Gradually move to Co-Management
- Eventually to Self-Service
Adaptation to needs:
- Model can be adapted to growing requirements
- Flexibility in task distribution
Next steps
Would you like to know more about operational model options?
- Contact us – Get advice on operational models
Sources and further information:
- On-Premise AI for SMEs – Operational model and remote maintenance