Microsoft (MS) is reportedly reducing its reliance on OpenAI by integrating third-party open-source artificial intelligence (AI) models into its cloud services.
According to foreign media outlets including CNBC on the 2nd, MS is considering options to run Elon Musk's xAI model "Grok" on its cloud.
If this agreement is finalized, MS plans to provide servers for running Grok to xAI. However, it will not support the servers necessary for training Grok anew.
However, it remains uncertain whether xAI will enter into an exclusive hosting agreement with MS or provide the model to other cloud service providers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS).
In the meantime, MS has been expanding the application of third-party AI models to reduce its dependence on OpenAI technology. It has tested AI models from various companies, including Meta and DeepSeek. Earlier this year, it applied the DeepSeek inference model "R1" to its Azure platform and GitHub developer tools.
Foreign media interpreted that cooperation and competition over cloud infrastructure and AI models will intensify. The Verge noted, "The debate over monopolies and openness surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) is likely to have a significant influence across policy and industry."