OpenAI and Microsoft have revised their multi-year collaboration, removing exclusivity clauses that previously restricted OpenAI from working with other cloud providers. The amendment, announced jointly on both companies’ websites, enables OpenAI to distribute its latest AI models across any cloud platform.
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, confirmed the changes on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the company is now “able to make our products and services available across all clouds.”
Under the updated terms, Microsoft retains its role as OpenAI’s primary cloud partner, with new products continuing to launch first on Azure. However, OpenAI is no longer bound to exclusivity and can partner with alternative cloud providers such as AWS or Google Cloud.
Microsoft will maintain a non-exclusive license for OpenAI’s models and products through 2032, though it will no longer receive a revenue share from OpenAI. Conversely, OpenAI will still make revenue share payments to Microsoft until 2030, now subject to a total cap.
Evolution of the Microsoft-OpenAI Partnership
The two companies first announced their multi-year collaboration in 2019, with several phases of partnership following. As recently as February 2024, a joint statement still referenced exclusivity agreements. The latest update marks a significant shift, emphasizing “flexibility, certainty, and a focus on delivering the benefits of AI broadly.”
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