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Local-first AI platform — osFoundry
osFoundry is local-first: a desktop app that runs models on-device, projects your workspace into your file system, and works offline. Sync resumes when you reconnect. Private channels never sync. The cloud is opt-in for hosted GPU, public app URLs, and team collaboration — never a requirement.
Quick answer
- Desktop app, no cloud sign-in required.
- Workspace projected into your file system.
- Works offline; syncs when online.
- Private channels never leave the device.
Key capabilities
- Mac, Windows, Linux desktop builds.
- Workspace projected into the local file system — chats, notes, KBs all readable on disk.
- Bidirectional sync engine with conflict resolution.
- Private channels flagged at creation — never enqueued for upload.
- Local model runtime — open-weight LLMs, GPU accelerated via Metal or Vulkan.
- No cloud sign-in required to use.
How to do it in osFoundry
- Download the desktop app — Mac / Windows / Linux builds at /download. Sign in optional.
- Install a local model — Pick a quantised open-weight model from the catalog. Local inference is free.
- Use without network — Disconnect from Wi-Fi. Local-only features keep working — chats with local models, notes, KBs, Room Apps with `offlineCapable: true`.
- Reconnect to sync — When you’re online again, the sync engine catches up. Conflicts (rare) are resolved with three-way merge.
How osFoundry compares
| Capability | osFoundry | Most other tools |
|---|
| Network dependency | Cloud is opt-in, not a requirement. | Cloud-mandatory; nothing works offline. |
| Where data lives | On disk + (optional) cloud sync. | Cloud only. |
| Privacy flag | Per-channel toggle — never syncs. | Everything in the cloud, no exceptions. |
Use cases
- Travelling consultant: Works on the plane with no Wi-Fi — local Llama 3.1 8B handles every chat. Notes, KBs, app data all on disk; sync happens at the next hotel.
- Privacy-first founder: All sensitive product strategy in a flagged "private" channel. Never syncs even between their own devices; lives only on the laptop in their bag.
Frequently asked questions
Does osFoundry require a cloud account to use?
No. The desktop app runs locally with no sign-in required. Cloud features (sync, hosted GPU, public app URLs) are opt-in.
Can I work entirely offline?
Yes — install local models, disable cloud routes, and the app works without network access. Sync resumes when you reconnect.
How is "private channel" different from a normal channel?
A private channel is flagged at creation. The local sync engine never enqueues its messages or attachments for upload. Even other devices on your account can’t see it.
What about Room Apps in offline mode?
Apps with `offlineCapable: true` in their manifest keep running. Apps that need cloud services (e.g. hosted DB) pause until you reconnect.
Pricing
Local-first usage (no cloud) is free. Cloud sync is metered per-GB synced. Local model inference is always free.
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