AI is transforming how businesses work, but it also risks exposing valuable data. A private AI platform lets you apply artificial intelligence (AI) to your workflow while keeping sensitive information secure.
What is a Private AI Platform?
A private AI platform is a software that allows your business to use any AI model or application while keeping your data inside an infrastructure you control.
Unlike public AI models, where your data is processed through a third-party provider’s shared infrastructure, private AI platforms are designed to operate within their own environment. This can include a private cloud or an on-premise infrastructure, giving your business control over how data is stored and accessed.
Why Companies Need Private AI
There are many reasons why your business may require private AI, with the core reason being to keep data secure and private. Your company may want to benefit from automation and AI implementation while maintaining control over sensitive data. Many industries have strict requirements around data privacy, such as HIPAA compliance, making public AI use unreasonable. Private infrastructures provide a controlled environment, helping organisations adopt AI in a way that aligns with their security.
How Private AI Platforms Work
Private AI platforms work through a controlled environment. Data stored on this infrastructure is processed through the business’s approved environment to prevent any sensitive information from being sent to a public AI service. The platform can securely connect to internal sources such as documents and databases to retrieve any relevant company information when responding.
When an employee interacts with the platform, their request is processed by the AI and relevant information is processed from approved data sources. The security and access controls put in place determine which information the AI can access and use responsibly. This allows your business to implement AI and maintain control over data.
Key Features to Look For
When procuring a private AI, the software should provide security, flexibility, control and integration. The main things to look out for include:
- Zero data retention and no training guarantee
- Encryption Standards
- Control over residency or air-gapped AI systems
- Flexible deployment
- Identity and access management
The right platform should provide you with AI capabilities your business needs while maintaining the level of control necessary to protect your data and infrastructure.
Private AI vs Public AI
The main difference is that public AI provides convenient access, while private AI gives a business greater control over security and data. For example, ChatGPT vs private AI prioritises accessibility over security.
| Private AI | Public AI | |
| Data Control | Control over where data is stored | Data is processed through third-party provider infrastructure |
| Privacy | Sensitive data remains in controlled environments | Dependent on the provider’s policies |
| Customisation | Tailored to specific business needs | Designed for broad, general-purpose |
| Governance | Can establish own AI policies and control | Governance is determined by the provider |
| Deployment | Requires more technical resources | Easy to access |
| Cost | Higher management costs | Subscription based/ usage pricing |
Platform Use Case by Industry
Technology choice is different across all industries. For example, Industries that handle sensitive data are more likely to need a self-hosted AI. Some of the use cases by industry include:
Healthcare
Healthcare providers handle medical documents that include highly sensitive patient data that must comply with strict governance, such as HIPAA. Healthcare providers are unable to utilise AI technology unless in a private infrastructure.
Financial Services
Financial documents contain both financial and customer data and must comply with regulations such as GDPR and the Data Protection Act. Private AI systems protect financial and customer data while supporting regulatory requirements.
Legal
Lawyers are required to obtain sensitive customer data and comply with the SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority), Data Protection Act and GDPR. By utilising a private infrastructure, the AI can work with confidential legal documents securely.
How to Evaluate/ Choose a Private AI Platform
When choosing a platform, you should focus on AI data sovereignty. The platform needs to fit your business security requirements and control. The best platform will provide the right balance of AI capability, security and cost for your business.
OptimaGPT is a secure, compliant and cost-effective generative AI server which can be deployed exactly where you need it, making it suitable for your business.
Implementation Considerations
If you choose to move to a private AI platform, the next step is implementation. You can choose whether to run the AI model on internal infrastructure or a dedicated private cloud. Once on a chosen infrastructure, you will need to consider what data the AI will need access to and where that information is currently stored. Taking a phased approach to planning implementation can help avoid challenges and build a secure infrastructure.
FAQs
Can private AI use company data?
Yes. It can use company data, including documents and databases that you give it access to. Access controls make sure it only retrieves information they are authorised to access.
Does private AI platforms use different AI models?
Many private AI platforms support multiple models. This gives organisations flexibility to select models based on their suitability to the business.
Can private AI be integrated with existing business systems?
AI can integrate with internal applications to become part of your existing business workflows rather than a separate tool.
Explore Secure AI for your business
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