WorkThe story, in brief
Musk v. Altman: Satya Nadella was worried about Microsoft being ‘the next IBM’ in OpenAI deal
Satya Nadella worried Microsoft would become 'the next IBM'—internal emails from OpenAI board fight reveal strategic panic at the highest level.
The KeyNews take
Why it matters
Internal testimony and leaked emails from a high-stakes trial expose Microsoft's strategic concerns about OpenAI dependence and board dynamics post-Altman firing—critical intelligence on how the largest AI investor actually views its relationship with its flagship partner.
The key facts
6 to knowSatya Nadella testified for 2.5 hours in Musk v. Altman trial
Internal emails revealed Microsoft's worry about dependence on OpenAI
Nadella concerned about Microsoft becoming 'the next IBM'
Trial revealed Nadella's input on OpenAI board composition after Altman firing
Trial location: Oakland
Published: May 11, 2026
Go to the source
GeekWiregeekwire.com
Publisher excerpt: Satya Nadella testified for roughly two and a half hours in the Musk v. Altman trial in Oakland, revealing internal emails in which he worried about Microsoft's dependence on OpenAI, and new details about his input regarding OpenAI's board after the Altman firing.