Compare
Compare the setup, controls and support that fit your business
There are two common ways to put AI to work in a small business: sign up for off-the-shelf software tools, or run Ai1 on a server of your own. Here is how they differ, side by side, so you can pick what fits.
Side by side
Two ways to set up AI
Off-the-shelf tools are apps you sign up for online, run by the provider for all its customers. Ai1 is a team of AI agents that runs on a private server set up for your business.
| Question | Off-the-shelf software tools | Ai1 on your own server |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | On the provider's servers, shared with their other customers. | On a private server that belongs to your business alone.1 |
| Your data | Kept under the provider's terms. It is worth checking what you can export, and how. | Stays on your server and is not used to train AI models. Export everything as a zip whenever you want, with no exit fee.23 |
| Which AI model | The models the provider offers. | Bring your own AI provider account, such as Claude, OpenAI, Gemini, Grok or ElevenLabs, and pay it directly with no markup from us.14 |
| Who approves the work | Set by the tool's own settings. | Agents draft the work, and the important steps wait for your OK.5 |
| The tools you already use | The connections the provider has built. | About 90 tools, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, connected with your own logins.4 |
| Getting set up | You sign up and set it up yourself. | On a developer plan, your server is ready in about 7 days and we coach you through the setup. On Fully Managed, our team does the setup in your first month.1 |
| Training and support | The provider's help pages and support desk. | Training sessions in every plan. Managed plans add access to a senior AI architect.1 |
| What it can do | The features the provider has built. | 700+ agents and skills, and more growing daily.1 |
| How you pay | Set by the provider, often per person each month. | Monthly plans with no per-seat charges for teams of up to about 50 people, month to month with no long-term commitment. You pay your AI provider directly.1 |
Sources
Which fits you
Both are good choices, for different jobs
Off-the-shelf tools may suit you if
- You need one job done, such as notes or scheduling, and the tool already does it well.
- You are happy to work inside the provider's setup and settings.
- You want to sign up today and set it up yourself.
Ai1 may suit you if
- You want AI working across your business, not just in one app.
- You want your data on a server that belongs to you, with an easy way out.
- You want to choose your AI model and approve the steps that matter.
- You want people who help you set it up and train your team.
How we got here: the dated milestones behind Ai1
Support
People behind your agents
Agents do the work. Our team helps you set it up, trains your people and is there when you need a hand.
- A real person to talk to. Book a call with our team whenever you need help. Managed plans include access to a senior AI architect who knows your business.
- Training for your team. Every plan includes training sessions, so your people learn to work with their agents and get real work out of them.
- You stay in charge. Agents draft the work, and nothing important goes out until you approve it.
Questions
Common questions
Does Ai1 replace the tools I already use?
No. Ai1 connects to them. About 90 tools are supported, including Slack, Microsoft Teams, Google Workspace and Microsoft 365, and your agents work inside them with your own logins.
Can I leave if it is not working for me?
Yes. Monthly plans run month to month with no long-term commitment. Ask your agent to export everything as a zip and take it to any other platform. There is no exit fee.
Do I need to be technical?
Not on Fully Managed: our team runs Ai1 for you. Developer plans are for teams who like to build things themselves, with up to four training sessions to use whenever you want.
Talk it through with us
Tell us what you want off your plate, and we will show you which setup fits.
- Your own private serverEvery Ai1 plan runs on a private server that belongs to your business alone.
- Your data stays yoursStored on your server, not used to train AI models, and you can export everything you build at any time.
- Choose your AI modelBring your own AI provider account and pay it directly, with no markup from us.
- No lock-inMonthly plans run month to month with no long-term commitment, and everything you build can be exported.