IA Mistral

Start with the current model catalog and the release documentation. Check supported input and output types, tool features, context limits, and intended uses. A model family name is not enough to reproduce a result or determine deployment requirements. Hosted access and local operation create different responsibilities. A hosted API handles some infrastructure but has account limits and service terms. Running downloadable weights requires compatible software, hardware, security, and maintenance. Compare the full workflow rather than only model access. Read each release’s actual license and use conditions. Availability for download does not mean every model grants identical rights. If using an adapted or quantized version, preserve its relationship to the base release and evaluate that exact artifact. Test representative tasks and failure cases, including formatting, evidence use, language coverage, and tool errors. Record the version and settings, and watch deprecation or migration notices. Model selection should remain tied to the application’s measured requirements rather than a broad claim that one provider is best.