Recently, Microsoft and OpenAI announced a milestone new agreement: OpenAI will purchase up to $250 billion worth of Azure cloud services over the next several years, setting one of the largest cloud procurement records in tech history. But what's more critical than the amount is that OpenAI has finally broken free from the "cloud dependency" chains, gaining unprecedented technological autonomy.

From "Exclusive Dependence" to "Cloud Freedom": OpenAI Gains Strategic Initiative

According to the new agreement, Microsoft has officially given up its priority selection rights for OpenAI's cloud computing. This means that although OpenAI will still be a major customer of Azure, it can freely choose other cloud service providers (such as AWS and Google Cloud) to deploy non-API products in the future, including self-developed chips, edge computing nodes, or new AI infrastructure. More notably, OpenAI will be allowed to jointly develop new products with third parties, no longer restricted by Microsoft's exclusivity clauses.

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The only remaining exclusive clause is that all OpenAI models provided through APIs (such as GPT, DALL·E, Sora) will still run exclusively on the Azure platform. This arrangement protects Microsoft's core commercial interests while opening the door for OpenAI to collaborate within an ecosystem.

Behind the $25 Billion: The Next Stage of the Computing Power Arms Race

This huge purchase is not just about spending money; it is a key support for OpenAI to build the next generation of AI infrastructure. Combined with the previous statement by CEO Sam Altman about the goal of "adding 1 gigawatt of computing power per week," OpenAI is expanding its computing capabilities at an unprecedented pace. The $25 billion investment in Azure will mainly be used to train multi-modal large models such as GPT-5, GPT-6, and Sora, and to support the global deployment of its enterprise-level Agent platform.

Microsoft's "Concessions" and Long-Term Bet

Although giving up some control, Microsoft did not step back but instead increased its long-term commitment. The agreement clearly states that Microsoft will support OpenAI in establishing a non-profit parent company, strengthening its independence in AI safety and ethical governance. At the same time, the valuation of Microsoft's investment in OpenAI has reached $135 billion, showing its firm belief in the long-term value of AI.

This new alliance of "cooperation and loosening" marks a shift in the relationship between the two companies from "deep integration" to "strategic coordination": Microsoft remains the largest beneficiary of AI cloud infrastructure, while OpenAI gains greater freedom in technological direction and business ecosystems.

Industry Impact: AI Ecosystem May Enter a "Multi-Cloud Era"

OpenAI's "cloud freedom" may trigger a chain reaction. Other large model companies may follow suit, driving the AI infrastructure from "single-cloud dependence" to "multi-cloud deployment," accelerating competition among cloud service providers in dimensions such as AI optimization, custom chips, and green computing. For enterprise users, they may be able to flexibly call the best AI capabilities based on different cloud platforms in the future, breaking down ecological barriers.

In this wave of deep integration between AI and cloud computing, the new agreement between Microsoft and OpenAI is not just a commercial contract, but also a practical answer to the core issue of "openness vs. control" and "efficiency vs. autonomy." The giants are paving the way for the next decade of AI with real money and resources.