Re:Ask HN: Why LLM providers sell access instead of consulti...
by avin01 on Monday February 09, 2026 @11:58AM
(#46947635)
Because APIs scale but consulting doesn’t :)
Even with good models, delivering outcomes is still messy. Bad data, unclear requirements, integrations, and blame when things break. That’s just consulting pain.
Selling access avoids delivery risk and headcount bloat. Otherwise they would become a service oriented company with AI. APIs give global distribution, cleaner margins, and optionality. They can always move up the stack later
Even with good models, delivering outcomes is still messy. Bad data, unclear requirements, integrations, and blame when things break. That’s just consulting pain.
Selling access avoids delivery risk and headcount bloat. Otherwise they would become a service oriented company with AI. APIs give global distribution, cleaner margins, and optionality. They can always move up the stack later