The WSJ describes the Microsoft-OpenAI relationship as an “open relationship” in which Microsoft wields significant influence without full control. Although the agreement restricts OpenAI’s search-engine clientele, the company remains free to collaborate with Microsoft’s competitors. This setup occasionally places both companies in precarious situations, with their sales teams inadvertently overlapping in their pitches to the same customers. Furthermore, Microsoft employees have voiced concerns about reduced AI spending within the company and limited direct access to OpenAI’s models for their own researchers and engineers.
Microsoft employees were reportedly caught off guard by the swift launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. The startup released its chatbot to the public in November, achieving remarkable user growth in record time. In contrast, Microsoft did not introduce Bing GPT integration until February, when ChatGPT had already gained significant recognition.
