Integration Decision Guide
Steer AI offers three distinct integration approaches, each optimized for different business requirements, technical capabilities, and deployment timelines.API Integration
Perfect for developers• RESTful APIs
• No setup fee
• 48-hour deployment
• Maximum flexibility
SaaS Instance Mode
Enterprise-grade control• Docker deployment
• Custom integrations
• On-premise option
• 10-day setup
SaaS Managed
Fastest time to value• Fully managed platform
• 24-hour deployment
• Zero maintenance
• Business user friendly
Comparison Matrix
| Feature | API Integration | SaaS Instance | SaaS Managed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deployment Time | 48 hours | 10 days | 24 hours |
| Setup Fee | Free | $2,500 | Free |
| Technical Expertise Required | High | Medium | Low |
| Customization Level | Maximum | High | Standard |
| Infrastructure Management | Your responsibility | Shared | Our responsibility |
| Scalability | Unlimited | High | Automatic |
| Security Control | Full control | High control | Managed |
| Maintenance | You manage | Shared | We manage |
Technical Requirements
API Integration
- Development Resources: Required
- Infrastructure: Your cloud/servers
- Technical Skills: REST APIs, authentication, webhooks
- Maintenance: Full responsibility for integration code
SaaS Instance Mode
- Development Resources: Recommended
- Infrastructure: Docker-compatible environment
- Technical Skills: Docker, system administration
- Maintenance: Platform updates managed by Steer AI
SaaS Managed
- Development Resources: Optional
- Infrastructure: Provided by Steer AI
- Technical Skills: Basic web application usage
- Maintenance: Fully managed by Steer AI
Use Case Recommendations
Choose API Integration If...
Choose API Integration If...
✅ You have a dedicated development team✅ You need to integrate with existing applications✅ You require custom workflows and business logic✅ You want maximum control over the implementation✅ You need to process high volumes of inspections✅ Budget constraints prefer no upfront costs
Choose SaaS Instance Mode If...
Choose SaaS Instance Mode If...
✅ You need on-premise or private cloud deployment✅ You have strict data residency requirements✅ You want custom AI model configurations✅ You need deep integration with existing enterprise systems✅ You require custom security and compliance controls✅ You have enterprise infrastructure team
Choose SaaS Managed If...
Choose SaaS Managed If...
✅ You want the fastest time to market✅ You prefer a hands-off technical approach✅ You don’t have dedicated development resources✅ You want predictable monthly costs✅ You need a proven, stable solution✅ You want automatic updates and maintenance
Business Impact Timeline
Week 1-2: Setup & Configuration
- API Integration: Development and testing
- SaaS Instance: Infrastructure setup and deployment
- SaaS Managed: Account setup and configuration
Week 3-4: Integration & Testing
- API Integration: Custom integration development
- SaaS Instance: Custom configurations and testing
- SaaS Managed: User training and workflow setup
Month 2: Optimization & Scaling
- API Integration: Performance optimization and scaling
- SaaS Instance: Custom feature development
- SaaS Managed: Advanced feature adoption
Migration Paths
You can migrate between integration types as your business grows:Common Migration Scenarios
From Managed to API
When: Business grows and needs custom integrationsTimeline: 2-4 weeksBenefits: More customization, lower per-transaction costs
From API to Instance
When: Need enterprise features or on-premise deploymentTimeline: 4-6 weeksBenefits: Enhanced security, custom AI models
Security Considerations
API Integration
- Data Flow: Your servers ↔ Steer AI APIs
- Security Responsibility: Shared (you secure integration, we secure APIs)
- Compliance: SOC 2, configurable data retention
SaaS Instance Mode
- Data Flow: Your infrastructure ↔ Steer AI services
- Security Responsibility: Shared (you manage infrastructure, we secure application)
- Compliance: Full control, meets enterprise requirements
SaaS Managed
- Data Flow: Our platform ↔ Steer AI services
- Security Responsibility: Steer AI managed
- Compliance: SOC 2, GDPR ready, industry standard practices
Cost Considerations
Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) - First Year
| Integration Type | Setup | Development | Infrastructure | Support | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| API Integration | $0 | $15,000 | $3,600 | $0 | $18,600 |
| SaaS Instance | $2,500 | $10,000 | $8,400 | $6,000 | $26,900 |
| SaaS Managed | $0 | $0 | $0 | Included | $3,588* |
ROI Consideration: While API Integration has higher upfront costs, it typically offers the lowest per-transaction costs at scale. SaaS Managed offers the best TCO for smaller operations.
Getting Started
Ready to choose your integration path?Start with API
Get your API keys and start building
Deploy Instance
Set up your dedicated instance
Go Managed
Sign up and start using immediately
Need Help Deciding?
Our integration specialists can help you choose the best approach:- Schedule a consultation: Book a call
- Technical questions: support@steerai.autos
- Sales inquiries: sales@steerai.autos
Not sure which to choose? Start with SaaS Managed for immediate value, then migrate to API Integration as your business scales. Most customers see ROI within 30 days regardless of integration choice.