The largest technology giant is taking a decisive step toward technological independence. Microsoft has begun a phased replacement of OpenAI and Anthropic models with its own MAI (Microsoft AI) systems in key office applications — Excel and Outlook. This is not just a technical update, but a strategic maneuver aimed at radically reducing operational costs.
According to my data, tens of thousands of weekly requests in these applications are now processed exclusively by Microsoft's internal models. The team led by Mustafa Suleyman, head of the AI division, is consistently implementing a plan to reduce dependence on third-party providers, whose services are becoming increasingly expensive as initial discounts are phased out.
For a long time, Excel and Outlook relied primarily on solutions from OpenAI and Anthropic. However, the share of MAI models in the total volume of AI tasks is now steadily growing. As early as June, Suleyman directly stated the intention to reduce spending on Anthropic and gradually transition to proprietary systems, citing economic reasons as the main driver of this decision.
"We are paying Anthropic a lot of money — our task is to gradually reduce costs and completely eliminate unnecessary expenses," Suleyman emphasized.
This step is only part of a large-scale optimization program. As early as May 2026, Microsoft began phasing out most internal licenses for Claude Code. Alongside the transition to its own models, the company is conducting mass layoffs: 4,800 employees (2.1% of the workforce) will leave the company, with the main blow falling on the Xbox gaming division, where about 3,200 specialists will lose their jobs.
The transition to its own MAI models is not just about savings, but a bid for complete control over the AI technology stack. Microsoft is demonstrating that it is willing to sacrifice external partnerships for long-term financial stability and technological sovereignty.
Expert opinion: This decision by Microsoft is a clear signal for the entire corporate AI market. Dependence on external models is becoming a luxury that even technology giants can no longer afford. We are entering an era where control over one's own AI capabilities will become a key competitive advantage, not just an option.