Self-hosting an agent workspace does not mean the AI runs locally: Open Duet separates where your conversations and files live from which engine processes each prompt. That distinction makes it useful for people who want control over agent workflow and stored data, while still choosing among hosted and local model providers.
What Sets It Apart
- Agents have separate identities, instructions, workspaces, and memories, so a lead can delegate research or editing instead of treating every task as one long chat.
- Routines turn recurring prompts into scheduled or webhook-triggered work; the backend must remain running, and routines do not bypass approval requirements.
- Approval modes and optional isolated Docker computers make autonomy a choice to manage, not an assumption. The computer and browser features are experimental and opt-in.
- The workspace connects to engines you provide, rather than bundling a model. This keeps provider choice flexible, but model access, terms, and usage costs remain your responsibility; hosted engines may receive relevant prompts and context.
Who It’s For
A good fit for technically comfortable individuals who want a persistent, self-managed workspace for a small team of agents and are willing to configure their own engines. Look elsewhere if you need a polished multi-user company platform, built-in integrations such as Gmail or Slack, turnkey model access, or dependable production-grade agent computers; the server, delegation, and desktop experience are still evolving.
