Early relays often start as tools: an endpoint, a key, and a balance page. That is enough for individuals, but not enough for teams.
Platform value starts when accounts, permissions, quotas, audit logs, and project separation appear.
Routing raises the ceiling
A platform should not sell only one model endpoint. It should help users route across Claude, OpenAI/Codex, Gemini, and other capabilities.
Users are buying a managed AI calling layer, not just an API URL.
Enterprise buyers need explainability
Teams care about billing alignment, traceability, incident explanation, budget control, and risk alerts. That is governance, not just access.