What is an air gap and offline AI?
An air-gapped system has no connection at all to the internet or other outside networks, and offline AI is AI that works without an internet connection.
Air gaps are used where security requirements are highest. The system is physically or logically separated, so no data can be sent out and nobody can reach in from outside.
Most AI services need the internet, because the questions are sent to a server somewhere else. Offline AI instead runs entirely in your own environment. Questions, documents and answers stay there.
That can be decisive in organisations with confidentiality or security protection requirements. iSearch can run fully offline at your site.
How it works
In an air-gapped environment, everything needed is on site. Servers, software, language model and documents. No network cable leads out. New documents, updates and sometimes new models are brought in through a controlled process, for example on vetted storage media.
Why it matters
An air gap removes a whole category of risk. What is not connected cannot be reached from the internet and cannot leak to it. For organisations handling classified information or strict confidentiality, it may be the only form of AI they can use.
Picture an organisation that wants its engineers to query technical material covered by security protection rules. With an air-gapped installation they can, without the material ever sitting on a connected network.
What to keep in mind
An isolated environment still has to be maintained. Security updates do not arrive by themselves, and someone needs to own getting them in on time.
Visibility is reduced too. The provider cannot troubleshoot remotely, so support routines and logging need to be settled before the environment goes live.
What it means for you
If you need AI in an environment without internet, ask how updates and support work without a connection.
Common questions
How do new documents get in without internet?
Documents and updates are brought in in a controlled way, following your procedures. Everything needed to answer is already in the environment.
Does AI work as well offline?
Answers are based on your documents, and those are in the environment. What is missing is anything that only exists online, such as today's news.
Which organisations need an air gap?
Those handling classified information, strict confidentiality or high demands on continuity. For others, an environment of your own with outbound traffic blocked may be enough.
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