Why a neural network needs a 'harness': how to turn an LLM into a functional AI service

This article from Selectel explores the architectural aspects of integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into business processes. The author emphasizes that simply deploying a model from Hugging Face onto a server is only the first step. To create a full-fledged AI service, a 'harness' is required—a comprehensive infrastructure that integrates the model with corporate data, external systems, and user interfaces. The material examines key components of such a system, including API management, context handling, request logging, access control, and error handling. It highlights that selecting a specific model is only a small part of the work, while the reliability and utility of a business solution depend on the quality of the architecture designed around the LLM. This article is useful for developers and engineers planning to implement generative AI in a corporate environment.