AI/Search · AWS
Perplexity
Answer engine on AWS combining a real-time search/index layer with RAG over multiple LLMs; serves its own fine-tuned Sonar models plus frontier and open models. Exposes a metered Sonar API + Agent API.
Foundation proximity: Native (own / self-hosted weights)
Foundational models & how they consume them
PrimarySonar (own, fine-tuned)· self-hosted · Native (own / self-hosted weights)
SecondaryGPT-4-class· OpenAI API · Direct API
TertiaryNVIDIA Nemotron· Agent API · Direct API
Cloud & datastore
AWSvector storeElasticsearchPostgreSQLCompliance
SOC 2GDPROthers that build on proprietary / self-built models
Abnormal SecurityAbridgeAdobeAI21 LabsAleph AlphaAmbienceExplore
FAQ
Does Perplexity use a foundational AI model?
Perplexity uses Sonar (own, fine-tuned), GPT-4-class, NVIDIA Nemotron (Native (own / self-hosted weights)).
What cloud does Perplexity run on?
Perplexity runs on AWS.
What database does Perplexity use?
Perplexity uses vector store, Elasticsearch, PostgreSQL.
How close does Perplexity run to the foundational model?
Perplexity is Native (own / self-hosted weights) — close to the metal, so cheaper tokens and more control over outputs.
Sources
perplexity.ai ↗Also on the map
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Architecture inferred from public sources · confidence medium · verify before betting on a detail.