Software
You can run the model yourself
Weights and tools are public. You are not renting every token from one cloud vendor forever — if you own the stack.
Thoughtfully shaped for your work
Open source AI is free. Getting it right is not.
Models like Llama, Mistral, and local runtimes can run on your hardware with less vendor lock-in. Most teams still need install, security, RAG, and staff training — that is the paid work we do from Canada.
On this page
Open Source AI · Paid help · Canada
Pricing honesty: open-source software licenses are often free. Our paid packages cover setup, hardening, document search (RAG), support, and training. Quotes after a free 30-min call.
What “open source AI” means for a business
Control
Data can stay in Canada / on-prem
Ideal when client files, industrial data, or privacy rules make public ChatGPT the wrong default.
Reality
Free ≠ free-to-operate
Hardware, updates, access control, backups, and staff habits cost time. We sell that expertise.
What we help with (paid)
Setup
Local / private stack
Ollama or similar runtimes, model choice, GPU/CPU sizing, secure access for staff, basic document Q&A on your files.
Hybrid
Open source + cloud tools
When Claude/Copilot is fine for some work and local models for sensitive work — with clear rules so staff do not mix them up.
Training
Teach the team
How to prompt, when to stay local, what never to paste into public AI — private coaching or team workshops.
Support
Keep it alive
Updates, new models, access for new hires, and a human when something breaks — optional retainers after setup.
Packages (CAD · indicative)
| Package | Best for | What you get | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery call | Anyone exploring open source | 30 min map: tools, risk, first step | Free |
| Open-source pilot | One team, one workflow | Local model install, secure access, 1 workflow, staff demo | Quoted |
| Private AI deploy | Sensitive data / on-prem | Hardened local stack + document search path | Quoted |
| Training add-on | After seats or local install | Private coaching or half-day workshop | Academy rates |
No fake “$X forever” claims — scope depends on hardware, users, and data sensitivity. Fixed quote after the free call.
Open source vs paid cloud (simple)
| Question | Open source / local | ChatGPT / Claude / Copilot |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly seat cost | Often $0 license; hardware & support cost | Recurring seats / usage |
| Data leaves building? | Can stay local if designed that way | Usually vendor cloud (check contracts) |
| Setup skill needed | High without help | Low for chat; higher for agents |
| Best first move | Pilot or pilot with us | Training + usage rules |
Want open source AI without the weekend of YouTube?
Book a free discovery call. If a local or hybrid stack fits, we quote a fixed pilot. If cloud tools are enough, we say so and train your team instead.
A conversation is where we start