Open Source vs. Closed Source Models

The distinction between open source and closed source models refers to the accessibility and modifiability of AI systems. For open source models (e.g., DeepSeek, Llama, Mistral), developers can freely access the model's weights and architecture, which promotes innovation, community auditing, and customizability, as well as reducing the risk of vendor lock-in. In contrast, closed models (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) operate as 'black boxes,' accessible only via API, which guarantees the protection of the provider's trade secrets and centralized security oversight, often offering higher performance and reliability. The choice between the two approaches is typically determined by data security needs and development resources.