Proprietary Model
A closed model you can only access as a hosted service through its maker, without seeing or downloading its weights.
Most of the strongest assistants are proprietary. You trade control and privacy for convenience and power.
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I download a proprietary model?
Because it is closed: you access it only as a hosted service through its maker, without seeing or downloading its weights. You are renting the capability rather than owning the model file.
Why are most of the strongest AI models proprietary?
The companies that build the leading models keep them closed to protect their investment and control how they are used, and hosting them lets you tap huge power without owning any hardware. The trade is convenience and capability in exchange for less control and privacy.
How do I access a proprietary model in my own app?
Usually through an API, since you cannot run the model yourself. That connection lets your software send requests to the maker's servers and get answers back, with usage billed per use.
New to all this? Start with what an AI agent really is, browse the full glossary, or explore the learning hub.
← Back to the glossary