Deploying LiteLLM: An Open-Source AI Gateway

LiteLLM is an open-source AI gateway that simplifies integration by providing a unified, OpenAI-compatible API for over 100 large language model providers. This guide details how to deploy LiteLLM on a Linux server using Docker Compose, incorporating PostgreSQL for persistent storage, Prometheus for metrics, and Traefik as a reverse proxy for secure HTTPS access. The deployment enables teams to manage virtual keys, implement budget limits, and track token usage across multiple LLM providers from a centralized dashboard. The article also covers security best practices, such as verifying Docker image signatures with Cosign, and provides a step-by-step walkthrough for testing the gateway using the OpenAI Python SDK. By centralizing authentication and routing, LiteLLM offers a robust solution for organizations looking to scale their AI infrastructure while maintaining strict control over costs and access.