AI in the cloud or on-premise? Choosing RAGSuite Engine or self-hosted.
The same AI platform can run in a data centre in Germany or on your own server. Six questions decide which way fits: data class, IT team, cost, speed, regulation and scale. This guide walks you through them, with a decision tree.
As of 13 October 2026
Key takeaways
- RAGSuite Engine: we run RAGSuite for you, start the same day, no IT effort, DPA with us.
- Self-hosted: RAGSuite runs on your servers, data stays in-house, your team runs the platform.
- Both ways have the same features; switching later is planned for.
- Data class and regulation usually tip the balance, followed by IT team and cost.
Cloud or on-premise: the six criteria compared.
| Criterion | RAGSuite Engine | Self-hosted |
|---|---|---|
| Data class | internal and public content, customer data under a DPA | also patient, client-privilege and classified data |
| IT team | not needed, we run, back up and update | needed for servers, backups and updates |
| Cost | fixed monthly price per plan, from €39 a month | Community free; servers, GPU and staff time yourself |
| Speed | start the same day | installation in hours to days |
| Regulation | RAGSuite is a processor (DPA) | no new processor, full control |
| Scale | grows with your plan: Starter, Business, Premium or Enterprise | often pays off with many users or existing hardware |
Both ways use the same software and the same features. The differences are in operations, not in features.
The right way to run it, in five questions.
Answer the questions from top to bottom. The first question you answer “yes” to sets the direction.
- 1Must the data stay in-house by rule or contract (e.g. patient data, classified material, client privilege)?
Yes Self-hosted, with a local language model and no internet access if needed.
No go to question 2.
- 2Does a supervisor or your IT security require you to control servers, keys and updates yourself?
Yes Self-hosted (Enterprise for support and evidence).
No go to question 3.
- 3Do you have an IT team that can look after servers, backups and updates?
Yes Both ways fit: go to question 4.
No RAGSuite Engine: we run the platform for you.
- 4Do you want to start with a team in the next few days, without buying hardware?
Yes RAGSuite Engine: switching later stays possible.
No go to question 5.
- 5Do you already have servers or GPUs, or many hundreds of users?
Yes Self-hosted often pays off: check with the AI cost calculator.
No RAGSuite Engine.
The tree does not replace a review by data protection and IT security. It shows which question decides in the end.
When the RAGSuite Engine fits.
You want to start fast
Create an account, upload documents, invite the team: the same day.
You have no IT team of your own
We handle operations, backups and updates in a data centre in Germany.
Your content is internal or public
Handbooks, policies, product knowledge and website content, with a DPA.
When self-hosted fits.
Data must not leave
Patient data, client privilege or classified material stays on your servers.
Supervisors require control
Banks, insurers and authorities control servers, keys and updates themselves.
Hardware is in place
With your own servers or GPUs and many users, running it yourself often pays off.
Combining RAGSuite Engine and self-hosted.
Many organisations need both: a website chatbot with public content and an internal assistant for confidential files. Then the public part runs in the RAGSuite Engine and the confidential part on your own servers. Teams work with the same interface and the same concepts.
The path from RAGSuite Engine to your own server.
Many start in RAGSuite Engine and move later when usage or requirements grow. Because both ways use the same software, assistants, instructions and source structure stay the same.
Install
Set up Community or Enterprise on your server.
Carry over the configuration
Create assistants, instructions and roles as in RAGSuite Engine.
Reconnect sources
Connect the same drives and systems, rebuild the index.
End RAGSuite Engine
Export data, cancel the account, get deletion confirmed.
Questions about RAGSuite Engine and self-hosted.
What is the difference between RAGSuite Engine and self-hosted?
In the RAGSuite Engine RAGSuite runs the platform for you in a data centre in Germany; you need no IT team and sign a DPA with us. Self-hosted, the same software runs on your servers, and your team takes care of operations, backups and updates. The features are the same.
Is self-hosted more secure than RAGSuite Engine?
Not automatically. Self-hosted you have full control, but you also carry the responsibility for updates, access and backups. In RAGSuite Engine a specialised team takes over these tasks. What matters is which data you process and which rules apply. For strictly confidential data, running it yourself is usually the right choice.
What does self-hosted cost compared with RAGSuite Engine?
The Community Edition is free; add servers, GPUs for a local language model if needed, and your team’s time. In RAGSuite Engine you pay a fixed monthly price per plan, from €39 a month. For small teams RAGSuite Engine is usually cheaper; with many users or existing hardware, running it yourself often is.
Can we move from RAGSuite Engine to our own servers later?
Yes, that is planned for. Both ways use the same software, so assistants, instructions and roles stay the same. You install RAGSuite on your server, carry over the configuration, reconnect your sources and then end RAGSuite Engine. We agree the process for export and deletion with you before the move.
Do we need a GPU for self-hosted?
Only if you want to run a language model locally, for example because no data may leave your premises. If you use an external language model through an interface, normal servers are enough for the platform and search index. Many start this way and add a local model later when sensitive uses are added.
Start the way that suits you.
Try the RAGSuite Engine free for 7 days, or install the Community Edition on your server. For architecture questions, talk to Mihaela.