Sam and his trusted guards of secrets are marching towards Microsoft within three days of the shocking ouster from the company he co-founded eight years ago. The brains of artificial intelligence looking for quick money outweigh the power of cosy private investors.
Microsoft cannot leave Sam Altman, the co-founder of OpenAI, after ousting him on 17th November, a fortnight before ChatGPT completes one year of its launch. Greg Brockman, the President of OpenAI, also resigned in solidarity with Sam. Several others are in line to move out. Three days later, amid Microsoft’s protest against OpenAI board action, the Californian Windows giant appointed both colleagues to head its advanced research lab.
ChatGPT is the first AI platform OpenAI launched. The board of OpenAI said it lost confidence in the co-founder’s leadership. But that is not just the whole secret behind the unceremonious overnight marching order to the 38-year-old Chicago-born AI celebrity. Something was brewing inside the boardroom, which the daring US investigative journalists would scoop in soon. Let us wait, though Microsoft, with a 49 per cent stake in the originally non-profit research institution, seems to be in a hurry to retain Sam within its fold. Microsoft invested $13 billion in different tranches to counterweigh the dominance of its rival Google in the search engine technology. The expulsion of Sam Altman may cast a shadow on Microsoft’s dream. Its management knows what ensues. Microsoft has a reason to smell some foul following a letter signed by 550 of 700 employees showing their willingness to quit OpenAI to join Same Altman.
We will eventually learn the true story behind Sam Altman’s ouster from OpenAI. OpenAI is not as open to the common public as the world may have believed. We may not have the right to ask for the inside details, as Altman is perceived to be a strong driving force behind the development of the OpenAI platform. Still, he maintains a dangerous and disturbing silence.
Commercially-driven organisations prioritize their economic interests. However, they often shy away from openly admitting this fact. Instead, they claim to be building something highly beneficial for people. In reality, they seem to foresee some codes that may go against humanity, but they do not openly acknowledge this. According to them, they are providing solutions to the problems that humans face.
Sam Altman, who seems to be straddling two boats simultaneously, is focused on efficiently developing AI. However, outside the platform, he speaks against AI while grappling with the dangerous secrets. Which perspective is correct? Is it for self-satisfaction, or is he speaking against AI for fame while still making money from it? What is the truth? Altman knows that speaking against AI will garner more attention and tighter regulation that would create an entry barrier for others. The true intentions are still unclear.
What is clear now is the chance for Microsoft’s consolidation in the generative AI business. The crisis at OpenAI is imminent as the team of OpenAI is moving out with Sam. The crisis will help Microsoft buy out the balance stake in the struggling firm from other investors. Sam is safe along with his team, the trusted guards of all AI secrets. Microsoft seems to be waiting for a windfall.
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