Skip to content
Future Tech 2027
10–11 March 2027 · Jaarbeurs UtrechtCall for papersSpeak

Session

Cloud Cost vs. Local Control: The Foundry vs. Foundry Local Showdown

Paul Stolk

Edition
2026
Day
Day 1
Time
12:05 · 50 min
Room
Quest

This talk was given at Future Tech 2026.

The developer's first instinct for AI is the cloud: it offers scalability and security. But what happens when you need rapid prototyping, offline development, enhanced data privacy, or the flexibility to experiment with the vast ecosystem of open-source models? This is where running AI workloads locally provides an undeniable advantage. This session cuts through the noise, providing a deep, technical comparison of the practical trade-offs between the cloud-based Foundry and Foundry Local. We will explore the critical differences in cost, privacy, and performance, and directly contrast the curated model catalog with open-source alternatives. Through live demonstrations of switching environments and utilizing AI agents, you will see exactly how to structure your applications. This equips you with a straightforward, robust architectural strategy for moving seamlessly between cloud and local execution, empowering you to make better-informed, high-stakes decisions for your Azure AI projects.

Speaker

Paul Stolk

Paul Stolk

Microsoft (Azure) Senior Software Developer | Microsoft Certified Trainer | AI Enthusiast

Hi, I’m Paul Stolk, a Senior Software Developer at Sopra Steria with over 15 years of experience working with Microsoft technologies. I’m passionate about embracing the latest advancements in technology, and I have a particular fascination with artificial intelligence. In 2023, I became a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT), a milestone that allows me to combine my love for technology with my eagerness to share knowledge. I’m excited to step onto the stage and connect with others through insights and experiences from my career. I aim to deliver talks that are not only technically rich but also practical, helping others see the potential of technology in new and inspiring ways. Outside of work, I love organizing Live Action Role Play (LARP) events and weaving intricate stories for immersive experiences. I believe my storytelling skills and technical expertise give me a unique perspective, and I’m looking forward to bringing that energy into every presentation I deliver.

Cookies

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide video features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our advertising partners, YouTube and our analytics provider. How we handle your data

Details