AWS Launches OpenAI Models on Bedrock After Microsoft Pact Ends
AWS brought OpenAI services to its Bedrock platform one day after Microsoft and OpenAI dissolved their exclusivity deal. The three new offerings started as limited previews. They consist of OpenAI models, Codex, and Bedrock Managed Agents powered by OpenAI.
At a San Francisco event, AWS and OpenAI revealed these additions. GPT-5.4 became available right away. GPT-5.5 will arrive in weeks, AWS CEO Matt Garman stated. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman joined by video. He attended court in Oakland for the Musk trial during the event.
Details of the New Bedrock Services
OpenAI models now run on Bedrock. Codex operates there too. Bedrock Managed Agents stands out as the main feature. This enterprise agent platform acts as a stateful runtime environment. It combines OpenAI's advanced models and agent tools with AWS systems.
Each agent holds its own identity. It records every action in logs. Agents execute within the customer's setup. Bedrock handles all inference tasks. The service pairs with Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, which supplies the standard compute setup.
Amazon Web Services leads the cloud market. It launched Bedrock in 2023 to host various foundation models from different providers. OpenAI, founded in 2015, develops large language models like GPT series. Its shift from nonprofit to capped-profit structure drew attention. Microsoft invested billions since 2019, making Azure the sole cloud host for OpenAI tech until now.
Partnership Background and Microsoft Tensions
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Amazon and OpenAI announced their alliance in February 2026. The deal includes up to $50 billion in investment. OpenAI committed to $100 billion in AWS compute over time. Back then, Microsoft and OpenAI claimed their relationship stayed intact.
Concerns arose soon after. In March, The Information noted Microsoft leaders feared the AWS products broke exclusivity terms. The Financial Times reported Microsoft weighed lawsuits against Amazon and OpenAI.
The recent contract changes ended Azure's exclusive rights for OpenAI models. This cleared the path for AWS to offer these services without dispute.
Key Players Involved
Sam Altman leads OpenAI through rapid growth and legal challenges. Matt Garman serves as AWS CEO, guiding cloud expansions into AI. Microsoft holds a major stake in OpenAI. Its restructuring maintains investment while opening doors for competitors like AWS.
The timing underscores shifting alliances in AI cloud computing. AWS gains access to top OpenAI tech. Customers now choose between providers for these models.
OpenAI's models power applications worldwide. GPT-5.4 marks a recent upgrade. Bedrock Managed Agents target businesses needing secure, logged agent operations.