# Microsoft reportedly trains salespeople to criticize OpenAI and Anthropic

Microsoft is reportedly instructing its sales staff on how to downplay the capabilities of rival AI companies OpenAI and Anthropic. The move highlights intensifying competition in the AI market, even as Microsoft maintains a close partnership with OpenAI through significant investments. This conduct could affect customer perceptions and the broader dynamics among leading AI developers.

**Importance:** 3/5

## Sources

### Technology
- [TechCrunch](https://techcrunch.com/2026/07/15/microsoft-is-reportedly-training-salespeople-to-talk-down-openai-and-anthropic/) — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 23:59:44 +0000