Microsoft Uses Own MAI Tech To Replace OpenAI, Anthropic In Office Apps

Microsoft has replaced artificial intelligence models from OpenAI and Anthropic with its own MAI technology in several Office applications, including Excel, Outlook, and GitHub Copilot. The move is aimed at reducing the company's reliance on external AI providers and lowering operational expenses.

The transition involves substituting the third-party models that previously powered features such as data analysis in Excel, email drafting in Outlook, and code suggestions in GitHub Copilot. Microsoft's MAI models are now handling these tasks, marking a significant shift in the company's AI strategy.

By deploying its own technology, Microsoft seeks to cut costs associated with licensing external AI models. The company has been investing heavily in developing its MAI suite to compete with offerings from OpenAI and Anthropic, both of which it had previously partnered with.

The change applies to enterprise users of Microsoft 365 and GitHub Copilot. Microsoft has not disclosed the specific financial impact but indicated that the internal models provide comparable performance at a lower price point.

Analysts note that this move could intensify competition in the AI market, as Microsoft reduces its dependence on partners while advancing its proprietary technology. The company continues to offer OpenAI models through Azure, but the shift in Office apps signals a strategic pivot toward self-sufficiency.