Short answer: Proto: Desktop AI agent for business teams from ERP•AI: it works with your files, the web and ERP•AI, and can build and then operate no-code business systems such as an ERP, CRM or supply chain. Bees: Free open-source desktop app that runs a team of AI agents on your computer; bring your own model; asks before risky actions.
Proto vs Bees
Sourced facts only. “Unknown” means not verified yet.
Key facts side by side
| Criterion | Proto | Bees |
|---|---|---|
| Type | business agent | personal agent |
| Vendor | ERP•AI | Bees (two-person team per DEV; company legal name unknown) |
| Channels / category | Desktop app for macOS (Apple Silicon), Windows (x64) and Linux (x64); works inside ERP•AI apps and in its own browser | Desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux (per bees.bot) |
| Pricing / availability | Free during the alpha (proto.erp.ai). On ERP•AI's managed plan, AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; with your own key the provider bills you. New ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month (erp.ai/pricing) | Free (including cloud coordination currently per bees.bot/download); bring your own model — no per-token or per-run fee from Bees |
| Launched | 2026-10-15 | 2026-10-13 |
| Funding (reported) | Not disclosed in the sources we checked | Not disclosed in the sources we checked |
| Channels confirmed | Desktop app | Web |
| Verified facts | Launched 15 Oct 2026 with ERP•AI as 'an agent that operates business software' (launch post on X); Describe a business system in plain language; Proto builds data, approvals, permissions and dashboards in ERP•AI without code and goes live after a test run with sample records; Reads Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, image and CSV files on your computer; uses web apps you are signed in to in its own browser; operating other desktop apps is experimental and off by default; New installs start in Uninterrupted mode; switch it off and Proto asks before sending, submitting forms, paying or bulk-changing ERP•AI records; deleting data and changing access stay off until enabled; Can save repeat work as a skill, build an ERP•AI app, report or workflow, or start from 81 ready-made apps; can split large jobs across helper agents; Files, sessions and memory are stored on your computer; runs on ERP•AI's managed model or your own key (OpenAI, Anthropic, Google Gemini, OpenRouter, Fireworks) or Codex with a ChatGPT account; Free during the alpha; on the managed plan AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; new ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month; ERP•AI charges USD 0 per seat and per app; Alpha software (version 0.2.122 listed) for macOS Apple Silicon, Windows x64 and Linux x64; proprietary; Launch contest (15-16 Oct 2026): build and publish a free app on ERP•AI with Proto; a MacBook for the best app and USD 100 for the first 100 qualifying apps; sponsor ERP•AI US Inc. | Went public 13 Oct 2026 as a free open-source desktop app for macOS, Windows and Linux; You describe an outcome; Bees plans stages; agents work; a reviewer agent checks before work moves on; you approve before risky actions; Bring your own AI: Codex or Claude Code CLI subscriptions, a hosted provider, or a local model via bundled llama.cpp — Bees adds no fee per token or per run; Files, browser sessions, cookies and passwords stay local; private workspace with no sign-in to try; local memory service; Tools per agent via MCP; file scope per run folder; Company Brain = local search over mapped folders/Google Drive; scheduling for recurring processes; License: MIT or Apache 2.0 (site and DEV); two people built it (DEV); Mac build signed and notarized; Windows and Linux not code-signed yet (SmartScreen warning possible); Requirements: 8 GB RAM for cloud model, 16 GB for local model, 15 GB free disk; Bees 0.2 early; Private org (device-only, no account) or Regular org (free cloud coordination, invite teammates; files stay on each machine); Bees Cloud never receives or stores document contents (company site) |
| Website | https://proto.erp.ai/ | https://bees.bot/ |
| Sources | [1] [2] [3] [4] | [1] [2] [3] |
| Last checked | 2026-11-11 | 2026-11-11 |
Frequently asked questions
What is Proto?
Desktop AI agent for business teams from ERP•AI: it works with your files, the web and ERP•AI, and can build and then operate no-code business systems such as an ERP, CRM or supply chain.
What is Bees?
Free open-source desktop app that runs a team of AI agents on your computer; bring your own model; asks before risky actions.
How much does Proto cost?
Free during the alpha (proto.erp.ai). On ERP•AI's managed plan, AI is billed at model cost plus an 8% Proto Agent fee; with your own key the provider bills you. New ERP•AI accounts get USD 100 of credit valid one month (erp.ai/pricing)
How much does Bees cost?
Free (including cloud coordination currently per bees.bot/download); bring your own model — no per-token or per-run fee from Bees
Are Proto and Bees the same type of agent?
Proto is listed as a business agent and Bees as a personal agent.
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