BYOK: Bring Your Own Keys Explained

Use Your Existing AI Investment

Already paying for OpenAI, Anthropic, or other AI APIs? BYOK (Bring Your Own Keys) lets you use those same keys in Calliope—no double billing.

What Is BYOK?

BYOK means you provide your own API keys for AI model providers:

• OpenAI (GPT-4, GPT-3.5)
• Anthropic (Claude)
• Google (Gemini)
• Azure OpenAI
• AWS Bedrock
• Local models (Ollama)

Calliope provides the interface, tools, and governance. You provide the model access.

Why BYOK?

Cost optimization: Use existing API agreements and volume discounts.

Relationship preservation: Maintain direct relationship with model providers.

Flexibility: Switch providers without platform lock-in.

Transparency: See exactly what you’re spending on AI.

How BYOK Works

1. Get API key from your provider (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.)
2. Configure in Calliope (securely stored)
3. Use Calliope tools → calls go to your provider
4. You’re billed by provider directly

Calliope handles the interface; your provider handles the inference.

BYOK in Desktop Apps

Calliope’s desktop apps (AI Lab Desktop, AI IDE Desktop) are free with BYOK:

• Download the app (free)
• Add your API keys
• Start working

No subscription for the app. You just pay your model provider.

BYOK in Cloud

BYOK also works in Calliope cloud deployments:

• Use your organization’s API keys
• Benefit from your enterprise agreements
• Still get Calliope’s governance and features

Key Security

Your keys are protected:

• Encrypted storage: Keys never stored in plain text
• Access controls: Only authorized users can configure
• No logging: Keys aren’t logged or exposed
• Server-side: Keys stay on server, not in browser

Cost Visibility

BYOK gives you transparency:

• Provider dashboards: See usage directly from provider
• Calliope tracking: Usage metrics within Calliope
• Allocation: Track usage by user, team, project
• No hidden fees: Pay provider rates, nothing inflated

Multi-Provider Setup

Configure multiple providers:

Organization
├── OpenAI (primary)
├── Anthropic (for specific use cases)
├── Azure OpenAI (for compliance)
└── Ollama (for sensitive data)

Different models for different needs.

Local Models (Zero Cost)

BYOK includes local models via Ollama:

• Llama, Mistral, CodeLlama
• Run on your hardware
• Zero API costs
• Complete privacy

Use local models for exploration, switch to cloud for production.

When to Use BYOK

Use BYOK when:

• You have existing API agreements
• You want cost transparency
• You prefer direct provider relationships
• You’re using desktop apps
• You have volume commitments

Consider bundled when:

• You want one bill
• You prefer managed API access
• You’re just getting started

BYOK Checklist

Setting up BYOK:

• Identify which providers you need
• Get API keys from each provider
• Configure keys in Calliope (secure storage)
• Test connectivity
• Set up usage monitoring
• Establish budget alerts with provider

Use what you have. Pay only once.

Set up BYOK in Calliope →