Show HN: Hardcount – Self-hosted usage billing for AI products (github.com)

Hardcount has launched as a self-hosted usage billing solution tailored for AI products, allowing users to charge for API usage directly from their own servers. This open-source alternative to Stripe Billing and Lago eliminates transaction fees and provides a simple setup using Docker and Postgres, enabling developers to manage billing without relying on external services. The tool supports various pricing structures based on token usage across different AI models while ensuring that all billing data remains secure within the user's infrastructure. The significance of Hardcount for the AI/ML community lies in its flexibility and cost-effectiveness. It allows businesses of all sizes, particularly small and mid-size teams, to customize their pricing models without incurring ongoing fees from third-party platforms. With features like real-time margin calculations and the ability to simulate billing with test customers, Hardcount empowers developers to refine their pricing strategies based on actual usage data. Although still in early development stages, it is designed to handle substantial usage volumes and offers a simplified server footprint, making it an attractive choice for organizations looking to maintain control over their billing processes while minimizing operational costs.