The Microsoft-OpenAI Files: Internal documents reveal AI's defining alliance (www.geekwire.com)

Internal documents reveal the depth of the Microsoft-OpenAI partnership, which began shortly after OpenAI's founding in 2015. Initially overlooked by Satya Nadella, who expressed concerns about OpenAI's ties to Amazon Web Services, Microsoft quickly sought to partner with the AI nonprofit. Over several years, the relationship transformed into a significant investment, culminating in Microsoft committing over $13 billion, including exclusive cloud rights and equity. This alliance not only bolstered Microsoft's Azure platform against rivals like AWS but also positioned it as a key player in the AI landscape, especially with the rise of generative AI technologies. The recent disclosures shed light on the strategic maneuvers behind the scenes, illustrating Microsoft’s initial hesitations and eventual recognition of OpenAI’s potential, particularly with the advent of large-scale models like GPT. These documents highlight how Microsoft leaders anticipated competitive threats, underscoring the importance of tapping into OpenAI’s innovations to maintain technological relevance. As the AI community grapples with concerns about open access and corporate control, the narrative raises questions about the balance between profit and public goodwill in the pursuit of advancements in artificial intelligence.