> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.aiql.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Tenancy tiers

> How applications, processing, and storage are held

AiQL offers four tenancy patterns. Every option keeps customer data in the [data region](/commercial/data-regions) the customer selects. All four tiers can be deployed in each region where AiQL has presence. AiQL evaluates each client and assigns the matching tier so onboarding cost and tenancy fit the customer.

These tiers are deployment and tenancy choices. They are not the self-service plans on [Self-service SaaS](/commercial/saas). Custom buyers are assigned a tier under [Custom deployments](/commercial/custom).

Each tier is a full option. The three axes are **applications** (the product surfaces teams use), **processing** (ingestion, models, and query), and **storage** (workspace data). Each axis is either held by the client or run in AiQL's shared pool in the same region.

## Comparison

| Tier      | Applications | Processing | Storage | Setup                  | Cost                 | Typical buyer                               |
| --------- | ------------ | ---------- | ------- | ---------------------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------- |
| Dedicated | Client       | Client     | Client  | Longest                | Highest              | Large regulated and government              |
| Split     | Client       | Shared     | Client  | Faster than dedicated  | Lower than dedicated | Same enterprise segment                     |
| Managed   | Client       | Shared     | Shared  | No infra to buy or run | Lower                | Buyers that want less infrastructure burden |
| Central   | Shared       | Shared     | Shared  | Fastest                | Low or no entry cost | Smaller companies and start-ups             |

Dedicated and split map to local regulator requirements and dedicated tenancy where required. Managed and central stay on the local data protection law of the selected region.

## Dedicated

The client holds applications, processing, and storage. Nothing in this tier runs in AiQL's shared pool.

Setup is the longest of the four because the environment is stood up for that client. Cost is the highest. AiQL assigns this tier when a regulator or buyer requires dedicated tenancy.

Typical buyers are large regulated enterprises and government. Fees and setup cost are higher than the other tiers.

## Split

The client holds applications and storage. Processing runs in AiQL's shared pool in the same region.

Setup is faster than dedicated, and cost is lower, because processing is not duplicated for that client. The buyer segment is the same as dedicated: large regulated and government accounts that need data and applications on their side, but can accept shared processing in-region.

## Managed

The client holds applications. Processing and storage run in AiQL's shared pool in the same region.

The client does not buy or run infrastructure for processing or storage. Setup is lighter than dedicated or split. Cost is lower. Typical buyers want the product surfaces in their environment without operating the rest of the stack.

## Central

Applications, processing, and storage all run in AiQL's shared pool in the selected region.

Setup is the fastest of the four. Entry cost is low or none. Typical buyers are smaller companies and start-ups: private buyers, without government exposure on this tier.