Tech giant Microsoft has initiated a process of replacing AI models from OpenAI and Anthropic in its flagship products. MAI (Microsoft AI) systems now handle tens of thousands of requests per week directly in Excel and Outlook. This is a strategic move aimed at reducing dependence on expensive third-party solutions and optimizing internal costs.
Microsoft, which actively uses vast amounts of artificial intelligence tokens across numerous products, including the Copilot assistant, has long enjoyed preferential access to computing power thanks to its longstanding partnership with OpenAI. However, the team led by AI division head Mustafa Suleyman has now decided to diversify risks and move away from pricing conditions that industry leaders could set after current discounts are lifted.
Cost Savings as the Main Driver
Previously, Excel and Outlook relied primarily on solutions from OpenAI and Anthropic. The share of MAI models in the total volume of AI tasks is still small, but the trend is clear. As early as June, Suleyman directly stated the intention to reduce spending on Anthropic and gradually transition to proprietary systems.
"We are paying Anthropic a lot of money — our task is to gradually reduce costs and completely eliminate unnecessary expenses," he emphasized.
This decision aligns with Microsoft's overall cost-saving strategy. As early as May 2026, the company began phasing out most internal licenses for Claude Code. The shift to proprietary models is part of a large-scale cost reduction effort.
Large-Scale Optimization and Layoffs
Despite record investments in artificial intelligence, Microsoft is cutting costs in other areas. As I noted in my analysis, the company is laying off 2.1% of its workforce — 4,800 people. The main impact will be on the Xbox gaming division, where approximately 3,200 specialists will lose their jobs.
This step demonstrates the maturity of the AI market: major players are no longer willing to pay a premium for third-party models if they can develop competitive solutions in-house. For investors, this signals that the margins of AI service providers could significantly decline in the coming quarters.