Which AI platforms are best for UK businesses?

Not necessarily. For simple AI integration using APIs, you can call model providers directly without a cloud platform. Cloud platforms add value when you need additional services like data storage, processing pipelines, or multiple AI services.

Yes. Multi-cloud approaches are common and prevent vendor lock-in. Many organisations use one cloud platform for infrastructure while calling AI models from different providers. This requires careful architecture but provides flexibility.

Several UK-based AI companies offer platforms designed for the UK market. These may offer advantages in terms of local support, understanding of UK regulations, and compliance with government procurement frameworks.

Assess how easily you can migrate data, models, and workflows to another platform. Check for proprietary features that create dependency, data export capabilities, and standard API compatibility. Favour platforms that use open standards and provide clear migration paths.

Several AI platforms are available through G-Cloud and the Digital Marketplace, which provides a level of pre-assessment. Microsoft Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud are commonly used in public sector AI projects. Check the specific service listing on G-Cloud for approved AI capabilities.