Microsoft Partners with OpenAI to Bolster Supercomputing Cloud AI Technology

In a recent press release, Microsoft announced that it is expanding its partnership with artificial intelligence research company OpenAIto bolster its supercomputing cloud AI technology. In addition to working together to develop new cloud technologies, Microsoft is investing $1 billion in OpenAI.

Since it was founded in 2015, OpenAI has created technology that helps computers understand language, train robots to perform housework tasks (i.e., mop a floor), and can beat humans in the computer games.

OpenAI will leverage the Microsoft Azure cloud platform exclusively to develop and operate its software. Even more, the two organizations plan to partner on innovating new AI systems. Microsoft will also be OpenAI's "preferred partner for commercializing new AI technologies," suggesting that OpenAI software will carry integrations with the Azure cloud.

The press release indicates that the two companies have a shared vision of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI). It’s the human-like AI that what we’re accustomed to seeing in movies and on TV. AI that is capable of actual learning and understanding.

"OpenAI and Microsoft's vision is for Artificial General Intelligence to work with people to help solve currently intractable multi-disciplinary problems, including global challenges such as climate change, more personalized healthcare and education," says the press release.

Microsoft has been heavily investing in AI technology to bolster its cloud offerings. The result is that companies like Walmart are leveraging Microsoft's AI technology to drive business. But there’s more to come. In November, Microsoft announced it would acquire XOXCO, a software that is known for creating AI bots.

Read more from Business Insider: Why Walmart is betting on Microsoft's AI to challenge Amazon in online and physical retail

"AI is one of the most transformative technologies of our time and has the potential to help solve many of our world's most pressing challenges," Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella said. "By bringing together OpenAI's breakthrough technology with new Azure AI supercomputing technologies, our ambition is to democratize AI - while always keeping AI safety front and center - so everyone can benefit.

Read the complete press release from Microsoft here.

Microsoft Partners with OpenAI
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Michael Fiorito

Michael Fiorito

Michael Fiorito is a Sales Director at SNP Technologies. Michael works with customers and SNP’s technical teams to deliver application development, cloud migration, and DevOps solutions. A lifelong technology professional, Mike is also a frequent contributor to SNP’s blog.