Microsoft executives worried about strategic dependence on OpenAI's models and partnerships, according to testimony from the ongoing Musk-Altman trial. The revelation signals that even as Microsoft invested billions and integrated OpenAI's APIs into enterprise products, internal discussions focused on diversification and risk mitigation.
For enterprise customers, the testimony suggests Microsoft's commitment to OpenAI models may be tactical rather than exclusive—leaving room for the company to hedge with other model providers or accelerate in-house AI development.