Microsoft and OpenAI have revised their agreement so that Microsoft's license remains in force until 2032 but is no longer exclusive. Under the new terms, OpenAI can host its models with other cloud providers, explicitly including AWS, while keeping Microsoft as a partner.

Key changes

The revision removes exclusivity but preserves Microsoft's licensing rights through 2032, maintaining certain commercial connections between the companies and operational collaborations. Microsoft will continue to receive a portion of OpenAI's revenue under existing arrangements until 2030, as stated in the revised deal.

Hosting and scalability

OpenAI's ability to place models with multiple cloud providers creates operational flexibility for scaling inference and training workloads across competing infrastructure. The change allows collaborations with vendors such as AWS while Microsoft remains a primary cloud partner for select products and services.

Market and partnership context

By ending exclusivity, OpenAI may pursue diversified hosting and commercial relationships without violating the preserved licensing terms granted to Microsoft. Microsoft's continuing revenue share until 2030 signals ongoing economic ties despite the broader distribution of OpenAI models to other providers.

Looking ahead

OpenAI gains additional freedom to scale and to negotiate with cloud operators while maintaining a defined commercial relationship with Microsoft. The operational details and which services move to alternative clouds will depend on technical, cost and contractual considerations still to be implemented.