On April 27 local time, U.S. leading artificial intelligence firm OpenAI announced that it has revised its cooperation agreement with Microsoft. The updated deal aims to streamline their partnership and collaboration framework, grounded in flexibility, certainty, and the broad delivery of AI benefits.
OpenAI stated that the enhanced predictability within the revised agreement strengthens the two parties’ joint capability to build and operate large-scale AI platforms, while granting both companies greater flexibility to pursue new business opportunities.
The key terms clearly stipulated in the updated agreement are as follows:
Microsoft remains OpenAI’s primary cloud partner, and OpenAI products will continue to launch first on Azure, except in cases where Microsoft is unable or elects not to support required functionalities. OpenAI may now offer its full product portfolio to customers of any cloud service provider.
Microsoft will retain its licenses for OpenAI’s models and intellectual property through 2032, with such licenses converted to non-exclusive terms.
Microsoft will no longer pay revenue shares to OpenAI.
The revenue share paid by OpenAI to Microsoft will remain in effect through 2030 at a fixed ratio, independent of OpenAI’s technological advancements, and will be subject to an overall total cap.
Microsoft will continue to participate directly in OpenAI’s growth as a major shareholder.
OpenAI emphasized that while this amendment simplifies its partnership with Microsoft, the two sides remain committed to an ambitious joint roadmap. From expanding gigawatt-scale data center capacity and co-developing next-generation silicon chips, to leveraging AI to advance cybersecurity and beyond, both parties will continue cooperating to evolve and expand artificial intelligence for individuals and organizations worldwide.
Market analysis indicates that the revised agreement addresses industry concerns triggered by OpenAI’s landmark $50 billion collaboration with Amazon AWS. Previous uncertainties, including exclusive AWS rights for distributing OpenAI’s new Frontier tools, have been eliminated, alongside potential legal disputes from Microsoft over OpenAI’s partnerships with Amazon and other investors. The new framework delivers mutual benefits: OpenAI gains greater business autonomy, while Microsoft is relieved of its revenue-sharing payment obligations, with specific financial figures undisclosed.
(Reprinted from https://news.eccn.com/）