Microsoft has adjusted its long-standing partnership with OpenAI, ending its exclusivity as the sole provider of cloud infrastructure for the artificial intelligence firm. The shift comes as OpenAI diversifies its cloud partnerships with companies like SoftBank, Oracle, and others, as part of its re
While Microsoft retains a prominent role, a new agreement grants it a “right of first refusal” on OpenAI’s future cloud computing needs. This means Microsoft will have the first opportunity to host OpenAI’s workloads but allows OpenAI to seek alternative providers if Microsoft cannot meet its requirements.
Strengthening an Evolving Partnership
Microsoft’s blog post announcing the changes highlighted that OpenAI has made a new, significant commitment to its Azure cloud services, which will continue to power OpenAI’s products and training. Additionally, Microsoft has approved OpenAI’s development of its own infrastructure capacity, particularly for research and model training purposes.
“Key elements of our partnership remain in place through 2030, including revenue-sharing arrangements, exclusivity on OpenAI APIs, and access to OpenAI’s intellectual property,” Microsoft stated.
Addressing Compute Challenges
OpenAI’s decision to expand its cloud partnerships is partly driven by increasing demands for computational power. Delays in product releases, reportedly linked to insufficient compute capacity, have strained the company’s reliance on Microsoft, despite the tech giant’s major investment and collaboration.
Earlier this year, Microsoft faced shareholder pressure to allow OpenAI to pursue a deal with Oracle for additional infrastructure. OpenAI’s new Stargate initiative further underscores its ambition to secure the resources needed for training and running advanced AI models.
Potential Implications of AGI
The partnership’s dynamics could shift further if OpenAI achieves artificial general intelligence (AGI), which the companies define as AI systems capable of generating $100 billion in profits. Under their agreement, Microsoft’s access to OpenAI’s technology would end at that milestone. Speculation suggests OpenAI might renegotiate its deal with Microsoft to secure additional funding, potentially nullifying existing terms.
Despite these adjustments, Microsoft emphasized the continued exclusivity of OpenAI’s APIs on Azure, ensuring customers can access leading AI models through its platforms.
The updated partnership reflects the rapidly evolving AI landscape, where the demands for computational power and strategic flexibility drive decisions. Both companies appear committed to their collaboration while adapting to the pressures and opportunities of an expanding AI ecosystem.
Further details from OpenAI or Microsoft have not been provided at this time.
Microsoft is working on a new generation of in-house artificial intelligence reasoning models designed to rival those from OpenAI, according to a report by The Information.
In a surprising move, Microsoft is reportedly reducing its data center footprint by canceling leases with several data center providers that together amount to a "couple hundred megawatts" of capacity - roughly equivalent to two full data centers.
In a major update to its AI assistant platform, Microsoft announced today that it will offer unlimited free access to two of Copilot’s advanced features—Voice and Think Deeper—powered by OpenAI’s o1 model.
Feb 19 (Reuters) - Microsoft, opens new tab has developed an artificial intelligence model of a videogame which can help generate visuals and actions, the company announced on Wednesday.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
Russian forces carried out a drone attack on Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, late Wednesday, injuring at least twenty one people and causing structural damage, according to Ukrainian officials.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
Apple marked its 49th anniversary by reaching a market capitalization of $3.3 trillion. Despite recent tech stock volatility, Apple's shares surged 28% in 2024.
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), a cornerstone of American humanitarian outreach for over six decades, is being dismantled under the directive of Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency.
Ukraine is set to hold in-depth talks with a select group of foreign allies this Friday to discuss the formation of a military contingent that could serve as a security guarantee under a future ceasefire agreement.
The White House confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald Trump will impose a new wave of tariffs on Wednesday, escalating fears of a deepening global trade war. The announcement, set for 4 p.m. ET in the Rose Garden, marks the culmination of weeks of warnings and speculation.
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and opposition leader Peter Dutton have both pledged to defend the country’s national interests as the United States signals possible tariffs targeting Australian beef exports.
A senior Russian official is expected to arrive in Washington this week for direct talks with the Trump administration, a source familiar with the plan confirmed.
From Wednesday, European visitors to Britain will need to purchase an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before arriving, as the UK implements new pre-entry screening measures to tighten border controls.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered the deployment of additional warplanes to reinforce American naval assets in the Middle East, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday. The move follows a renewed bombing campaign in Yemen and rising friction with Iran.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment