Frameworks and software specifications in watsonx.ai Runtime

You can use popular tools, libraries, and frameworks to train and deploy your machine learning models and functions.

Framework

A framework contains a set of reusable algorithms, tools, and libraries for developing machine learning models that you can build upon for specific application requirements. Frameworks describe the machine learning or deep learning framework that is used to build the model. You can use popular frameworks such as Tensorflow, which supports both deep learning and traditional machine learning algorithms with watsonx.ai Runtime for more efficient development.

Model type

Model type indicates the machine learning or deep learning framework and the framework version that is used to build the machine learning model. Machine learning or deep learning models that you build by using the same framework might not be compatible across versions. For instance, if you built your model with pytorch-onnx_1.10 model type, you must build your model by using pytorch version 1.10 and save the model in ONNX format.

Software specification

Software specifications define the programming language and version that you use for building a model or a function. You can use software specifications to configure the software that is used for running your models and functions. You can also define the software version to be used and include your own extensions. For example, you can use conda .yml files or custom libraries.

Lifecycle of supported frameworks and software specifications

Software specifications go through these phases:

  • Supported: You can use existing deployments that use this software specification and create new deployments that use this software specification.
  • Deprecated: You can use existing deployments that use this software specification and create new deployments that use this software specification but it is scheduled for removal in the near future. You're encouraged to update your code to use a newer software specification.
  • Discontinued: The software specification is removed. You must update existing deployments that use this software specification.

Managing outdated frameworks and software specifications

Update software specifications and frameworks in your models when they become outdated. Sometimes, you can seamlessly update your assets. In other cases, you must retrain or redeploy your assets.

For more information, see Managing outdated software specifications or frameworks.