Tech Radar, April 28, 2026: OpenAI and Microsoft End Exclusivity — The Cloud War Enters Its Multi-Cloud Phase
OpenAI and Microsoft have just restructured the partnership that defined the first commercial era of generative AI. The amended agreement, announced on April 27, 2026, removes Microsoft’s exclusivity over OpenAI models and products while preserving Azure as OpenAI’s primary cloud partner. This is not a breakup. It is something more consequential: the conversion of the most important one-to-one alliance in AI into a strategic but non-exclusive infrastructure relationship. OpenAI can now distribute its products across any cloud provider. Microsoft keeps first-ship rights on Azure, a non-exclusive IP license through 2032, continued revenue-share payments from OpenAI through 2030, and its position as a major shareholder. ...