Open vs closed AI models
What open weights means, and why it matters for privacy, cost and control.
The difference
| Closed model | Open model | |
|---|---|---|
| How you use it | Through the maker’s app or API | Anyone can run it under its licence |
| Where it runs | On the maker’s servers | Wherever the operator chooses |
| Further training | Only by the maker, or through their tools | Others can train it further |
| Changes over time | The maker can update it at any time | The operator decides when to change |
“Open” has shades
Most models called open are “open weights”: the trained model is published, but the training data and code may not be. Licences differ too, and some limit commercial use. When a provider says it uses an open model, it’s fair to ask which one and under what licence.
What it means for your business
- Privacy and control. An open model can be run by a provider you choose, on servers they control, so you can ask exactly where your chats are processed and kept.
- Consistency. With an open model, the operator decides when to update it, so its behaviour doesn’t change under you without notice.
- Local fit. An open model can be trained further for local needs, such as New Zealand spelling, law and te reo Māori.
- Capability. The largest closed models are often strong all-rounders. For some jobs they are the better tool, and an honest provider will tell you so.
Questions to ask any AI provider
- Which model do you use, and is it open or closed?
- Where is my data processed and stored?
- Are my chats used to train the model? Can I opt out?
- Who can see my chats, and how long are they kept?
- What happens to my data if I leave?
For more on the privacy side, read using AI tools under the Privacy Act 2020 and choosing an AI company in New Zealand.
Where Ankaa fits
Ankaa, the chat AI NOVA is building, is an open model trained further by NOVA and run on NOVA’s own servers, not a rented model with our name on it. Chats aren’t used to train anything unless you choose to share them. And when another model does a job better, we’ll tell you. Ankaa isn’t ready yet; the waitlist is open.
Questions
What is an open AI model?
A model whose trained weights are published so others can run it and train it further, under its licence. Many are “open weights” rather than fully open source, because the training data and code may not be published.
Are open AI models safer for business data?
They can give more control, because a provider can run them on servers it chooses. Safety still depends on the provider: ask where data is processed, who can see it and whether it trains the model.
Are closed AI models better?
Large closed models are often strong all-rounders and simple to start with. Open models offer more control and can be tuned for local needs. The right choice depends on the job.
Is Ankaa an open model?
Ankaa is an open model trained further by NOVA and run on NOVA’s own servers. It isn’t released yet.
Our own model, on our own servers.
Ankaa isn’t ready yet. Join the waitlist and you can try it first.