Enterprise AI infrastructure procurement usually focuses on GPUs and inference clusters, but the distillation corpus (teacher-model output) — the data-side cost line — is routinely underestimated.
A cost line people skip
Training one vertical model can take billions of tokens of distillation corpus. Even at Enterprise Enhanced pricing that is a seven-figure annual spend, and it recurs with every model iteration.
What an API middle layer is for
LOCOM provides a US-model API middle layer: one endpoint for GPT / Claude / Gemini, handling quota, reconciliation and routing. It consolidates scattered channel buying into governable supply, turning the data-side cost from an uncontrollable grey item into an auditable budget line.
A procurement checklist
- Compute side: GPU / inference clusters (usually already in place);
- Data side: distillation corpus channel (Enterprise Enhanced, subscription guaranteed, stockpilable);
- Governance side: API middle layer + reconciliation sheet + corporate contract.
With all three in place, AI procurement can actually claim “lowest total cost”.
LOCOM frontier-model API, built for enterprise distillation: Enterprise Enhanced GPT/Gemini at 35% off list, Claude at 24% off. Subscription-protected, stockable for 30 days, sourced direct from Shenzhen with corporate invoicing.
Need a distillation-specific quote? Write to 23854381@qq.com or batony@szlocom.com.