Microsoft CEO tries to assure investors DeepSeek is good for business as scrutiny of AI spending mounts
Jan 30, 2025 - businessinsider.com
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's new model has intensified scrutiny on Microsoft's AI spending, as it competes with OpenAI at a lower cost. This has led to questions about the vast amounts of money being invested in AI infrastructure across the tech industry. In response, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized that increased AI usage and reduced costs are beneficial for the company, despite slowing Azure cloud growth and lower-than-expected AI and cloud sales. Nadella reassured investors that AI's growing ubiquity is advantageous for Microsoft as a hyperscaler and PC platform provider.
Microsoft's AI spending has reached unprecedented levels, with plans to invest $80 billion in AI data centers this fiscal year. The pressure to justify this expenditure is mounting, as the company aims to help customers realize the full return on investment from AI. Amidst the scrutiny, Microsoft CFO Amy Hood sent an internal memo urging employees to remain focused. Nadella highlighted that innovations like those from DeepSeek will become commoditized, leading to more widespread use and the development of new applications as costs decrease.
Key takeaways:
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek's model has led to increased scrutiny of Microsoft's AI spending.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella emphasized that more AI usage and lower costs are beneficial for the company.
Microsoft reported slowing Azure cloud growth and less-than-expected AI and cloud sales, causing shares to fall.
Microsoft plans to spend $80 billion on AI data centers in the current fiscal year, amid pressure to justify this spending.
