The cost of an AI agent has three parts: installation, support, and model usage. Installation costs depend on the hardware and integrations, support is tailored to your situation, and model usage runs through your own provider account. This article explains each cost category openly.
The cost of an AI agent has three parts:
Installation and pilot: a one-time cost, depending on hardware, onboarding, and integrations.
Support: ongoing updates, monitoring, and assistance, covered by a custom quote.
Model usage: variable, depending on how much you use the agent and which model you choose.
| Cost item | One-time | Ongoing |
|---|---|---|
Installation and pilot | Yes, depending on hardware, onboarding, and integrations | — |
Support | — | Yes, tailored support: updates, monitoring, and assistance through a custom quote |
Model usage | — | Yes, variable, through your own provider account |
Hardware (optional) | Yes, if new hardware is needed for your local setup | — (electricity and maintenance) |
Installation includes setting up Hermes on a system at your business, configuring projects and a knowledge base, setting up access and any integrations, and onboarding two to three employees.
The price depends on complexity: a simple setup without integrations costs less than an environment with CRM connections and custom scripts. We discuss this openly during the initial conversation.
After the pilot comes support: Hermes updates, installation monitoring, daily backups, periodic recovery tests, and help for your team. Backups are encrypted and stored at a separate location on your network, not on the node. You agree on the scope with Voltti and receive a custom quote. Read more about the service on our approach page.
Hermes uses a language model for its reasoning. That model can run locally or through an external provider such as OpenAI or Anthropic. These costs depend on how much you use the agent.
Importantly, this usage runs through your own account with the model provider, not through Voltti. You control what you spend and can set limits.
You get more than software. You get a working environment with support, updates, and backups. Your team gets assistance, and you have someone to help think through new use cases.
Wondering whether it makes sense for your situation? Discuss your pilot and we will explore the options together.
For the broader choice, compare an AI agent with a chatbot or explore whether to build or outsource your own AI assistant.
Every environment is different: hardware, integrations, and the level of support vary by business. You therefore always receive a custom quote. Get in touch for an indication.
No. Model usage runs through your own account with the model provider, giving you control over your spending. It is accounted for separately, without a Voltti markup.
The pilot is an evaluation period. If it does not work, we discuss what went wrong and whether adjustments are possible. There is no obligation to continue with support.
Not necessarily. If you have a suitable computer, we can use it. Otherwise, we can supply hardware. We discuss this during the intake.
