If you want to avoid model markup and lock-in, bring-your-own-key (BYOK) platforms are the answer — pay providers directly, switch freely. Here’s a 2026 comparison. (dgm implements osFoundry as an independent partner; we’ll be honest about the field.)

Why BYOK?

Bring-your-own-key lets you connect your own model-provider accounts, so you:

  • cut cost — pay providers directly, no markup;
  • avoid lock-in — switch or mix models freely;
  • improve data control — choose providers and terms; and
  • use the best (or cheapest) model per task.

(See our bring-your-own-model and avoid vendor lock-in guides.)

The options

PlatformType
osFoundryFull BYOK platform (chat/agents/apps/knowledge)
DustBYOK agent workspace
Relevance AIBYOK no-code agents
n8nBYOK self-hosted automation
MakeBYOK visual automation
CrewAIBYOK multi-agent framework

Matching to scope

  • Broad platformosFoundry (BYOK by default, multi-model, consolidation).
  • Agent buildingDust or Relevance AI.
  • Automationn8n or Make.
  • FrameworkCrewAI.

All let you bring your own models; they differ in scope and build-vs-configure.

BYOK + data control

A strong combination for UK data sovereignty: BYOK (you choose providers and terms — e.g. those that don’t train on your data) plus self-hosting or an EU region for the platform. Together they give meaningful control over where data goes. (See data residency.)

Where osFoundry fits

osFoundry makes BYOK the default — paste a provider key and that model is available to every agent, app and pipeline, and you can route the same prompt across providers. For sensitive data, it adds self-hosting and local inference. If you want a broad BYOK platform, it fits; for narrower needs, the agent or automation options suit.

dgm is an independent integration partner with zero integrations so far, implementing osFoundry. To set up a BYOK AI stack, book a consultation with dgm. General information; verify current vendor options.