Must we buy a GPU server?

No. API routing or hosted infrastructure can start first. Hardware is assessed only for on-site or specific compute requirements.

Does local hosting mean every piece of data stays local?

Not automatically. An application and data layer can be locally hosted while an external model API processes selected inputs. The full route must be documented rather than relying on a hosting label.

Can on-site AI work fully offline?

It can be designed for restricted or offline use where the model, licence, hardware and update method allow it. Monitoring, backup, updates and support still need an operating plan.

How many models can one API route use?

Multiple available text or multimodal models can be connected, but no model is guaranteed at all times. Routing, fallback, cost limits and data policy are configured in advance.

Can iGears manage the connection and usage billing?

Where the market and provider route are supported, iGears can arrange the connection and usage billing. Models, scope, usage, currency and third-party charges are stated in the quotation.

Which option launches fastest?

API routing is usually fastest; hosted environments require configuration; on-site requires hardware, networking, installation and acceptance. Data, integration and internal approval affect the actual timeline.

Can we start with an API and move on-site later?

Yes. Preserve model abstraction, export routes and interface documentation from the start to reduce migration cost.

Who maintains and monitors the system?

The proposal assigns responsibility for models, application, logs, backups, alerts and security updates to the customer, iGears or hosting provider as appropriate.

AI deployment · three connection patterns

Three ways to connect AI—without hiring an AI team

AI can be connected through an API, hosted in a Hong Kong data centre, or deployed on equipment in your own environment. The right pattern depends on data sensitivity, budget, timeline and infrastructure; iGears defines the data route, permissions and external services before selecting models.

Choose API, hosted or on-site deployment according to data sensitivity, budget, timeline and internal IT capacity.

API routing: fastest start and usage-based cost
Hong Kong data-centre hosting: define the operating location and data route
On-site: model and application server in your own environment
Start with one workflow pilot

Compare deployment options 10-minute AI readiness assessment

At a glance

What does this service include?

Choose API, hosted or on-site deployment according to data sensitivity, budget, timeline and internal IT capacity.

Typical scope: API routing: fastest start and usage-based cost · Hong Kong data-centre hosting: define the operating location and data route · On-site: model and application server in your own environment
Delivery approach: We clarify goals, current workflows, data, permissions and integrations before phased design, validation, rollout and handover. Final scope is confirmed during discovery.

Three connection patterns

From fastest access to highest control

Patterns can be combined in stages—for example, prove a workflow through an API, then move sensitive processing to hosted or on-site infrastructure.

1. AI API routing

Use one API route for available text, image-understanding, image-generation and tool or MCP connections, with usage-based cost. Providers, terms, data routes and billing are confirmed during solution design.

Best fit: rapid testing, lower-sensitivity work or comparing several models.

2. Hong Kong data-centre hosting

Host the application, model or controlled data layer in a Hong Kong data centre without buying hardware. Network, backup, access and every external service are documented during design.

Best fit: teams that want a defined Hong Kong hosting route without building an internal GPU operations team.

3. On-site deployment

Deploy the LLM and application server in your environment, including restricted or offline operation where the selected model, licence and architecture allow it. Hardware, updates, backup and maintenance ownership are defined.

Best fit: highly sensitive data, restricted networks or the highest control requirement.

Which option fits?

Use sensitivity, budget and timeline for the first decision

Factor	API routing	Hong Kong hosted	On-site
Data sensitivity	Low to medium; confirm external API route	Medium to high; define Hong Kong hosting and access	High; retain in a controlled organisation environment
Upfront budget	Lower; begin by usage	Medium; based on hosting and compute	Higher; hardware and maintenance required
Time to launch	Fastest	Medium	Longer; installation, testing and handover
Internal IT load	Lower	Shared through the hosting and service scope	Highest; operations ownership must be explicit

AI availability in Hong Kong

Mid-2026 market overview

This is a planning overview, not a legal statement about third-party terms. Activation, features, billing and enterprise eligibility are reconfirmed against current provider information before connection.

Directly available or connectable

Microsoft Copilot, Gemini (from March 2026), DeepSeek, Qwen and Kimi.

The exact product, enterprise plan and features remain subject to current provider information.

Not officially supported in Hong Kong

ChatGPT and Claude.

Any related-model requirement is evaluated only through a feasible route with clear supply terms; this is not legal advice on third-party terms.

iGears connection role

Where supported, iGears can manage access and usage billing, with the model, data route, permissions and usage written into the proposal.

Third-party availability can change and is rechecked before ordering.

Last updated: 2026-08-27

Define during design

Location alone is not enough—define access, records and exit

Data route

List input, storage, model processing, logs, backups and every external service.

Identity and permissions

Limit data, tools and administration by role, including joiner, mover and leaver handling.

Human review

Keep named review and escalation for external publication, sensitive decisions and low-confidence output.

Change and exit

Document model updates, spend limits, export, deletion and service termination.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Common questions about hardware, residency, offline operation, provider choice and maintenance.

Map the data route before choosing the model or machine

Bring one workflow, its data sensitivity, budget and IT constraints; iGears can compare the three patterns and propose a staged route.