Helix: A Comprehensive Guide
Helix is a cutting-edge platform designed for those seeking to harness the power of open AI technologies by deploying them securely in their own data environments. It provides a range of flexible deployment options, whether you need to install it in your data center or via a Virtual Private Cloud (VPC).
Key Features
Private GenAI Stack
Helix allows businesses to deploy the best of open AI while keeping complete control over their data. Its GenAI stack supports a wide array of applications, including language and image models, with an emphasis on data security and control.
Support for Advanced AI Models
With Helix, building and deploying Language Model Machine (LLM) applications becomes as simple as writing a helix.yaml file. The platform supports Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), API-calling capabilities, and model fine-tuning via an intuitive drag-and-drop interface.
Optimized Performance
The platform is specifically designed to manage the balance between GPU memory usage and latency, ensuring an ergonomic and scalable solution for businesses looking to integrate AI technologies.
Installation Options
Docker Installation
Helix can be easily installed on Docker through a quickstart installer, making the process straightforward for users. The installation script can be modified to better fit your system's requirements, and the dashboard usually runs at http://localhost:8080 by default.
For customized deployment scenarios, such as setting up with a DNS name, users can access further instructions via ./install.sh --help. Detailed documentation is also available for configuring TLS termination to enhance security.
Kubernetes Installation
For those who prefer Kubernetes, Helix offers helm charts that simplify the installation of both the control plane and runners. This ensures seamless integration into Kubernetes-managed environments.
Licensing and Usage
Helix operates under a license that is similar to Docker Desktop, allowing free usage for personal, educational, and small business purposes. The conditions for free use include being an individual or a company with less than $10 million in annual revenue and fewer than 250 employees.
For larger commercial applications, Helix requires the acquisition of a separate license. This is to ensure sustainable development and to prevent misuse of the open-source code, particularly by cloud providers seeking to rebrand Helix services.
Contributions and Further Inquiry
Helix encourages contributions from the community to continue enhancing the platform. It is important to note that any contributions must adhere to the same licensing terms. For those interested in using Helix under more relaxed license terms, the development team is open to discussion.
In summary, Helix represents a powerful, flexible, and secure way to incorporate open-source AI into business operations, offering robust features while safeguarding data control.