The launch of the artificial intelligence (AI) joint venture 'Stargate,' co-founded by OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, has ignited controversy surrounding the changing relationship between OpenAI and Microsoft (MS). MS has been the largest partner since investing $13 billion in OpenAI in 2019; however, there are recent analyses suggesting that cracks have formed in their collaboration.
The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the 22nd (local time) that "the absence of MS at the Stargate launch event is a result of accumulated tensions between the two companies" and noted, "They have now entered a new phase of less mutual dependence." MS has been exclusively providing data center and cloud services for the operation of OpenAI's AI models, but OpenAI is reportedly considering ending exclusivity agreements to secure more computing resources.
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman hinted at dissatisfaction through social media, saying, "The partnership with MS is still important, but more computing is needed." In contrast, Satya Nadella, the CEO of MS, explained, "This is an adjustment to maintain MS's strategic value while supporting OpenAI's requests."
In the process, MS's recruitment of Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder of DeepMind, appears to have further worsened the relationship between the two companies. The fact that Suleyman and Altman have a personally tense relationship also contributed to this discord.
Meanwhile, last year, OpenAI negotiated with MS about building its own supercomputer but failed to reach an agreement. This led to complaints that MS did not provide sufficient data center capacity for OpenAI. Experts analyze that OpenAI's willingness to collaborate with more competitors is increasing.
Stargate plans to invest at least $500 billion (approximately 720.3 trillion won) to build infrastructure for next-generation AI, including the construction of large-scale data centers.