Beta framework
How Compute Compass structures provider shortlists.
Compute Compass is in early access. The framework below is a beta comparison structure used to make EU GPU provider shortlists more consistent, transparent, and easier to discuss with technical and procurement teams. It is not a certification system and does not guarantee provider performance or legal compliance.
Ranking is not for sale. Providers cannot pay to alter shortlist position.
Structured comparison criteria
What the beta framework considers
| Criterion | What it captures | Example inputs |
|---|---|---|
Workload fit | Whether the provider's infrastructure matches the buyer's technical workload. | GPU model, memory, interconnect, batch size, inference vs training, multi-node needs. |
Total cost | The likely all-in cost of running the workload, not just headline GPU-hour rates. | GPU pricing, storage, egress, support, reservation terms, idle penalties, commitment periods. |
Deployment risk | How likely the buyer is to deploy successfully within the required timeline. | Capacity availability, quoted lead time, onboarding complexity, contract flexibility, region availability. |
Compliance & data-residency inputs | Comparable information relevant to governance, data location, and procurement review. | Hosting jurisdiction, DPA availability, subprocessors, data-handling terms, certifications referenced by the provider. |
Operational maturity | Day-two reliability and support signals after initial deployment. | Support model, SLA terms, incident transparency, status page, customer references, API, CLI, Terraform, Kubernetes, Slurm. |
What we do not do
- — We do not accept payment to alter shortlist position.
- — We do not certify legal compliance on behalf of providers.
- — We do not guarantee GDPR or AI Act outcomes for any service.
- — We do not present paid relationships as ranking signals.
- — We do not claim the beta framework is final.
What we do
- — We structure provider comparisons around buyer workload requirements.
- — We surface comparable disclosure across EU GPU providers.
- — We use GDPR-aware and EU data-residency focused comparison inputs.
- — We refine the framework through buyer discovery and provider input.
- — We disclose the basis for shortlist recommendations where practical.
Framework status
Beta, not final.
The current framework is a starting point. Criteria may change as Compute Compass completes more buyer discovery calls, reviews provider input, and observes which factors matter most in real GPU procurement decisions.