Map the applications and data first
Identify which applications call which providers, what information they send and who owns each use case. Keep development and production access separate where possible.
Before introducing an intermediary, review provider terms, data-handling requirements and the approvals needed for the workload. A gateway adds another system that needs to be secured and operated.
Use a gateway for a defined purpose
A gateway can provide a shared entry point for model access, authentication, routing, usage measurement and limits. The exact capabilities depend on the chosen implementation and providers.
Be explicit about what it does not solve. Applications still need appropriate testing, error handling and data controls. Switching models can change behaviour and must be evaluated; it is not automatically a seamless fallback.
Connect usage to an accountable owner
Track consumption by application, project or customer where supported. Agree budgets, alerts and how limits are enforced. Review both token use and related cloud, logging and infrastructure charges.
Monitoring needs a response process: who investigates errors, who can change limits, and when an incident is escalated. Decide what request information needs to be logged, restrict access and avoid keeping sensitive content without a clear need.
Treat caching as workload-dependent
Some providers support prompt caching under specific rules. Repeated, eligible prompt content may benefit; rapidly changing requests or unsupported models may not. Other caching approaches have their own correctness and privacy implications.
Evaluate supported caching against representative traffic and current provider documentation. Measure actual results, including any cache-write or storage costs, before forecasting savings.
Assess volume pricing with evidence
Gather actual usage, expected growth, provider mix and commercial requirements. Volume arrangements may depend on eligibility, commitments, regions and provider approval.
A managed service does not itself confer partner status or a discount. Keep service fees, cloud usage and model charges distinguishable, and compare the full commitment before agreeing to a pricing arrangement.
Keep this checklist.
- Named owners for applications, data and access
- A clear reason for introducing a gateway
- Usage reporting, limits and incident responsibilities
- Provider-supported optimisation measured on real workloads
- Separate service costs and approved provider terms
General planning guidance. Your service scope, provider terms and business requirements determine what applies.