Salesforce (CRM) CEO Marc Benioff made bold statements in a recent Financial Times interview, suggesting that the relationship between Microsoft (MSFT) and OpenAI may be approaching a dramatic and irreversible split. Benioff, known for his outspoken style and strategic insights, described the situation as a "full proximal rupture" between the two tech giants, a breach he claims cannot be repaired.

Benioff hasn’t shied away from sharing his critical view of Microsoft’s AI strategy recently. Prior to this, Benioff has a long history of criticizing Microsoft and some of the strategies employed to win market share over Salesforce’s Slack with Microsoft’s Teams. Both software companies have a lot of stake in this race, as tech executives across the world agree that AI is shaping up to become one of the most pivotal inventions since the internet. 

Most recently, Benioff asserted that Microsoft is lacking in actual innovation and not developing anything of its own. Rather, Benioff says they’re relying heavily on OpenAI, then claiming the innovations as their own. By integrating OpenAI’s language models, such as GPT, into its products, including Copilot, Microsoft is just a "reseller of OpenAI," Benioff stated earlier in its Q4 2025 earnings call, and reiterated in the Financial Times piece. According to Benioff, this dependency has not only limited Microsoft’s ability to innovate but has also led to significant customer dissatisfaction.

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Benioff also referenced Microsoft’s strained history with Slack, alleging that the company had previously engaged in wrongful and monopolistic tactics against the workplace communication platform recently acquired by Salesforce. Such comments highlight his broader skepticism toward Microsoft’s competitive practices. Benioff warns they expect Microsoft to employ some of those same tactics against OpenAI, ultimately acting in their own best interests and intentionally hurting OpenAI in the process.

OpenAI’s Strategic Moves

Benioff’s predictions are not without context. He cited a recent presentation by OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar, who reportedly showcased a technology stack that did not include Microsoft at key levels, including the data center, application, API, or model layers. According to Benioff, this is a clear indicator that OpenAI is preparing to distance itself from Microsoft.

Adding to the speculation, Benioff mentioned that OpenAI recently acquired Windsurf, a competitor to Cursor AI, for $3 billion. This acquisition, he argued, underscores OpenAI’s intention to diversify its AI capabilities, potentially reducing its reliance on Microsoft’s infrastructure and software.

While Benioff’s remarks have made waves, Microsoft has publicly downplayed his claims. Frank Shaw, Microsoft’s Chief Communication Officer, countered Benioff’s assertions, suggesting that his criticisms were more about marketing than substance. Shaw implied that Benioff’s comments lacked a genuine understanding of Microsoft’s AI strategy.

However, there are signs that Microsoft is making moves to lessen its dependency on OpenAI. Reports indicate that the tech giant has started developing its own in-house AI models and testing third-party alternatives for Copilot. The company has also pulled out of two major data center deals, a move that some analysts interpret as part of a broader effort to reduce its reliance on OpenAI’s cloud computing resources.

The Road Ahead

The growing tension between Microsoft and OpenAI, as highlighted by Benioff’s comments, may signal a significant shift in the AI landscape. If Microsoft and OpenAI do indeed part ways, the repercussions could extend beyond the two companies, affecting the broader AI industry, enterprise customers, and developers who rely on their products.

As the industry watches closely, one question looms: Can Microsoft truly innovate beyond its relationship with OpenAI, or will the "full proximal rupture" Benioff predicts become a reality?