Microsoft's AI Platform team, led by Eric Boyd, is at the center of these changes. Former executives claim that products like Azure Cognitive Search, Azure AI Bot Service, and Kinect DK are practically gone. However, Microsoft spokesman Frank Shaw maintains that these services still exist in some form and that the company is optimistic about its AI tools. He also noted that Microsoft is the one bringing AI tools to the market in a meaningful way.
Key takeaways:
- Some Microsoft insiders are concerned that the company's AI strategy is too focused on its partnership with OpenAI, with some suggesting that Microsoft has become a glorified IT department for the startup.
- There has been a shift in focus from Azure AI Services to Azure OpenAI service, leading to the departure of some executives who worked on Microsoft's homegrown AI initiatives.
- Despite the internal concerns, Microsoft remains optimistic about its AI tools and their impact on customers, with Frank Shaw, a Microsoft spokesman, stating that the company is the one bringing AI tools to the market in a meaningful way.
- There is a close working relationship between Microsoft and OpenAI, with some Microsoft employees having access to OpenAI's offices and vice versa.