Choose your entry point below.
Start Here
This is the onboarding page for Zero Cloud Tax. Use it to choose the right entry point, pick the right hardware tier, and decide whether you need the Blueprint or the Assessment.
> [ CHOOSE_YOUR_PATH ]: START WITH THE RIGHT LAYER
THE BRIEF
Free. Get the Spec Sheet, hardware tiers, architecture diagram, and weekly briefings before you buy anything.
THE BLUEPRINT
$47. Use this if you want the DIY rollout plan, the workflow templates, and the migration sequence.
THE ASSESSMENT
$499. Start here if you want a custom architecture, ROI model, and implementation path for your business.
> [ NEW_USER_PATH ]: FOLLOW THE SEQUENCE
> STEP_01
GET THE SPEC SHEET
Start free. The Spec Sheet explains the stack, the hardware tiers, the two-node architecture, and the cloud-vs-local cost model.
[ GET THE SPEC SHEET ]> ↓
> STEP_02
REVIEW THE HARDWARE
Match your workload to the right tier. The hardware page is written for business buyers, not hobby benchmark hunters.
[ VIEW THE HARDWARE GUIDE ]> ↓
> STEP_03
CHOOSE DIY OR DONE-WITH-YOU
If you can execute from a solid plan, use the Blueprint. If you need custom architecture and a migration path, book the Assessment.
> ↓
> STEP_04
MOVE WITH A PLAN
The goal is not "run a local model." The goal is to replace monthly AI SaaS spend with an owned system your business can actually operate.
[ READ THE LATEST BRIEFINGS ]> [ HARDWARE_TIERS ]: CHOOSE YOUR ENTRY POINT
Each tier is mapped to a business use case, not a benchmark fantasy. Start with the tier that matches your workflow volume and risk tolerance.
// IF YOUR WORKLOAD IS...
// START HERE...
// BUDGET
Light automation, low-risk internal workflows
BUDGET // ENTRY NODE
~$200
Production workflows, reliable business usage
OPERATOR // PRIMARY BUILD
~$1,200
Large context, document-heavy reasoning, multi-team usage
PRO // REASONING NODE
$2,500+
> [ SYSTEM_NOTE ]: Links on this page may provide a commission at no cost to you. This helps fund hardware testing and local-first stack research without cloud sponsorships.
BUDGET // THE ENTRY NODE
~$200Start local-first without overbuying. Good for lightweight internal automation and experimentation.
- > CPU inference and lightweight automation
- > Basic Ollama + n8n setup
- > Good for internal back-office workflows
- > Lowest-risk way to test the model
[ RECOMMENDED ] // PRIMARY BUSINESS TIER
OPERATOR // THE WORKHORSE
~$1,200The default business choice. Strong enough for daily workflows, routing logic, and the first real wave of AI replacement.
- > Dedicated GPU or Apple Silicon equivalent
- > Fast local inference for production tasks
- > n8n automation + self-hosted ops layer
- > Strong fit for support, triage, content, and extraction workflows
PRO // THE REASONING NODE
$2,500+For large-context reasoning, document-heavy work, and the second node in the full Zero Cloud Tax architecture.
- > Large unified memory or high-VRAM build
- > Better fit for long-form reasoning tasks
- > Supports the speed node in a 2-node architecture
- > Best chosen through the Assessment if stakes are high
> [ BLUEPRINT_OR_ASSESSMENT ]: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU PICK?
// PICK THE BLUEPRINT IF...
- > You can execute from a good plan
- > You want the cheapest path to ownership
- > Your workflows are clear and fairly standard
- > You mainly need documentation and templates
// PICK THE ASSESSMENT IF...
- > You need custom ROI and migration planning
- > Your workflows are business-critical
- > You want the hardware and architecture chosen for you
- > You may want a $5,000+ implementation later