Glossary

Frontier model

A frontier model is a leading closed or high-capability model typically offered as a vendor API. It often costs more per call than capable open-weight routes. In an operating layer, frontier earns its place when judgment, nuance, or reasoning clearly justify the premium — not as the default for every task.

Why it matters to your operation

Treat frontier as a scarce resource you route deliberately.

Related terms

Go deeper

Open hybrid model stack

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