> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.aisl.science/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.aisl.science/external-tools-and-services.md).

# External Tools and Services

This section provides a curated overview of **external platforms, developer tools, compute services, notebook environments, and AI-assisted development tools** that are relevant to AISL teaching, research, experimentation, and project work.

These services are **not operated by AISL** unless explicitly stated otherwise. They are included as practical references for FHNW users, collaborators, and partners exploring the broader AISL toolstack.

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Fast-changing external information:** This section is largely assembled through AI-assisted and agentic research workflows and reviewed by humans with relevant expertise. External products change too quickly for every quota, price, model, feature, and eligibility rule to be continuously maintained or manually re-verified. Always check the provider's official documentation before making technical, financial, privacy, or course-planning decisions.
{% endhint %}

## Research and compute infrastructure

### CSCS Clariden

[Clariden](https://docs.cscs.ch/clusters/clariden/) is the CSCS machine-learning cluster on Alps and provides NVIDIA Grace Hopper (GH200) compute for eligible projects, courses, workshops, and research activities.

For FHNW/AISL users with an allocation, the [CSCS Clariden](/external-tools-and-services/cscs-clariden.md) quick start covers account verification, signed SSH access, a minimal Slurm test, an optional GPU smoke test, uenv, and the ML Console.

### Swiss AI Research Platform / CSCS

The [Swiss AI Research Platform](https://serving.swissai.svc.cscs.ch/) is an academic LLM inference service developed as part of the Apertus project. It provides access to selected open models hosted on Swiss research infrastructure.

**Best for:** Academic experimentation with open models and Swiss AI research infrastructure.

* [Open the platform](https://serving.swissai.svc.cscs.ch/)
* [Official guides](https://serving.swissai.svc.cscs.ch/guides)
* [Official FAQ](https://serving.swissai.svc.cscs.ch/faq)

#### Chat from the FHNW network

The platform also provides its own Open WebUI-based Chat interface. For FHNW users, it is available from the **FHNW network, including via FHNW VPN**.

[Open Swiss AI Chat](https://chat.swissai.svc.cscs.ch/)

#### API key security

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Keep your API key secure.** Do not share it publicly or include it in client-side code.
{% endhint %}

#### Data collection and use

* **Request metadata:** By using the service, you consent to the collection and use of request metadata. The platform uses this information for research, capacity planning, and service operation.
* **API prompts and responses:** The API does not store prompt or response content. It retains metadata such as user ID, token counts, model, and timestamp.
* **Chat history:** The internal Chat application retains conversation history so users can return to previous chats. Chat content is not extracted and used for model training.
* **Model training:** Prompts and responses are not used to train or fine-tune models.
* **Non-commercial use only:** The service is intended for academic, non-commercial use. Commercial or startup requests should be directed through [Apertus contact](https://apertus-ai.org/contact/).

### FHNW HPC Lab / Calculon

The **FHNW HPC Lab** provides high-performance computing infrastructure for demanding applications, particularly in AI, machine learning, data science, and simulation. Its **Calculon Cluster** supports HPC research and production projects in AI and data science.

* [FHNW HPC Lab](https://www.fhnw.ch/plattformen/hpc-lab/)
* [Calculon User Guide](https://fhnw-hpc.pages.fhnw.ch/docs/)

Access, allocation, and usage conditions are managed by the FHNW HPC Lab.

## Developer, education, and experimentation resources

<table data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>GitHub Education</strong></td><td>GitHub Pro, Copilot Student, Codespaces, and Student Developer Pack benefits.</td><td><a href="/pages/MpdDXVM47GiyV0BuLHxT">/pages/MpdDXVM47GiyV0BuLHxT</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>JetBrains for Students</strong></td><td>Professional IDEs, educational licenses, and JetBrains AI Free.</td><td><a href="/pages/WhMIXC5iacEL5eWKTcsJ">/pages/WhMIXC5iacEL5eWKTcsJ</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>AI Coding Assistants</strong></td><td>Current free and open-source coding assistants and ongoing free service tiers.</td><td><a href="/pages/mNVKVhfhJVJ6HwwvSBQ5">/pages/mNVKVhfhJVJ6HwwvSBQ5</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Notebook Services</strong></td><td>Noto, RenkuLab, Kaggle, Deepnote, and Google Colab.</td><td><a href="/pages/YHx3ZRW7oZbDCufXJmix">/pages/YHx3ZRW7oZbDCufXJmix</a></td></tr><tr><td><strong>Free Model and API Directories</strong></td><td>Community-maintained collections of free model and API offerings.</td><td><a href="/pages/SVboRdAME7yfM4fL4RuI">/pages/SVboRdAME7yfM4fL4RuI</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

{% hint style="warning" %}
Before using an external service, verify its current **availability, pricing, quotas, privacy practices, model quality, licensing, and terms of use**. A service that is free today may change or may not be suitable for confidential or sensitive FHNW data.
{% endhint %}


---

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