What we operate ourselves
AI Labs develops AI Link in Germany. Its product architecture includes self-hosted specialist models for tasks such as document processing and preparing knowledge. Small background tasks do not all need a large external model.
The product catalog distinguishes self-hosted models, approved processors and other external providers. Allowed routes depend on organisation policies, required capabilities and available services.
Constrain sensitive processing deliberately
A model on infrastructure under your control provides greater control over location and access. It does not automatically make outputs correct or use compliant. Permissions, logs, deletion rules and human review remain necessary.
For external models, assess the actual region, processing agreement, subprocessors and potential third-country access. A provider's headquarters alone are not enough. Backups and support access also belong in the assessment.
From a diagram to a specific agreement
Onboarding connects permitted data types with approved providers and rules for blocking requests. A documented service inventory and processing chain make the data route traceable, from source to result.
- Define data types and protection requirements
- Document regions and processors
- Review fallbacks against the same protection requirements
Sources & further reading
Original research, provider documentation and further reading on the concepts and figures discussed here.