FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use the TritonAI Developer API?

The API is available to all UC San Diego affiliates: 

• Faculty & Staff: Automatic eligibility for default allocation; extended access available upon request 
• Researchers: Full access for research projects; unit/lab access available for research groups 
• Students: Access through faculty-sponsored classroom use or approved individual projects 

All UCSD affiliates receive $15/month in free credits for self-hosted models by default. 

What data protection standards apply?

All cloud provider models operate under UC San Diego's campus-wide enterprise agreements with built-in data protection provisions. For maximum data control, self-hosted models ensure your data never leaves campus infrastructure.

What data can I use with the API?

The TritonAI API supports UC Data Protection Levels P1 through P3: 

• P1 (Public): Approved 
• P2 (Internal): Approved 
• P3 (Confidential): Approved 
• P4 (Restricted/Health): Not approved for TritonAI API 

If your use case involves P4 or Health data, please visit UC Health AI Resources at https://pulse.ucsd.edu/departments/is/AI/Pages/default.aspx for approved solutions. 

When submitting your access request, you'll be asked to confirm your data does not include P4/Health information. 

What's the difference between cloud and self-hosted models?

Self-Hosted Models (Llama, Mistral, DeepSeek, etc.) 

• Run entirely on SDSC infrastructure—data never leaves campus 
• Included in your $15/month default allocation 
• Lower cost per token than cloud models 
• Best for: Cost-sensitive projects, maximum privacy requirements 

Cloud-Hosted Models (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini) 

• Access to latest commercial AI capabilities 
• Protected under UC San Diego enterprise agreements 
• Requires Extended or Unit/Lab access with chartstring 
• Best for: Frontier model capabilities, specific model requirements 

What are the different access levels?

Individual - Default Allocation: Every UCSD affiliate receives $15/month in credits for self-hosted models at no cost. No chartstring required. Ideal for experimentation, coursework, and light usage. 

Individual - Extended Access: For users who need more than $15/month OR want access to cloud-hosted models (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini). Requires a use case description and Project/Task (chartstring) for billing. 

Unit/Lab Access: For academic units, research labs, or administrative groups with multiple users. Includes consolidated billing and usage reporting. Requires a primary contact and chartstring. 

Can I use the API for production applications?

Yes. After validating your use case with free credits, you can deploy production applications that serve your department, lab, or campus community. 

What happens if I run out of free credits?

For Default Allocation users ($15/month self-hosted): Your allocation refreshes monthly. If you consistently need more, consider requesting Extended Access with a chartstringfor billing. 

For Extended Individual or Unit/Lab users: Usage continues with charges applied to your designated Project/Task (chartstring). 

How do I get help or report issues?

For support inquiries or to report issues, email tritonai@ucsd.edu to create a support ticket.