OpenAI introduces credit-based costs for 'ChatGPT Enterprise'
OpenAI has recently made a significant change to its pricing strategy for ChatGPT Enterprise. According to the Wall Street Journal, instead of the traditional fixed monthly or yearly subscription, businesses will now need to purchase credits to access advanced features and tools. This new credit system resembles a pay-as-you-go model.
New Credit-Based System
Under this updated model, enterprise clients no longer pay a flat fee but buy usage credits that can be used for leveraging premium functionalities. This approach enables companies to adjust their expenditure based on actual requirements. The exact pricing details for ChatGPT Enterprise have not been disclosed publicly.
Enhanced Accessibility and Discount Offers
OpenAI anticipates that this new pricing structure will enhance accessibility for a broader spectrum of customers, ranging from startups to large enterprises. The company is strategically aiming to diversify its revenue streams and attract more business clients. In line with this initiative, OpenAI is currently offering substantial discounts on the enterprise version of ChatGPT. Companies that opt for long-term contracts or bundle multiple OpenAI services, such as API access or coding tools, can avail discounts ranging from 10% to 20%.
Revenue Projections and Future Plans
Industry estimates forecast that OpenAI's business arm could generate approximately $15 billion in revenue, with ChatGPT positioned as its core offering. The company has recently achieved an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of $10 billion, nearly doubling the figure reported in December 2024. OpenAI has set an ambitious revenue target of $125 billion by 2029, following a successful funding round that increased its valuation to $300 billion.
Introduction of New Features
This pricing overhaul coincides with the introduction of innovative enterprise features, such as 'Connectors' that enable ChatGPT to access proprietary data from internal systems and 'Record Mode,' a tool accessible to Pro, Enterprise, and Education users for automated meeting recordings, transcriptions, and summaries. 
Competition and Strategic Challenges
OpenAI is facing heightened competition in the enterprise AI sector from players like Anthropic, Google, and others. Despite the competitive landscape, the company is also navigating a complex relationship with Microsoft, its primary investor and cloud partner. Reports indicate that Microsoft is displeased with OpenAI's decision to offer substantial discounts on enterprise services.
Potential Legal Actions
In response, OpenAI is reportedly contemplating legal action against Microsoft due to concerns regarding anti-competitive practices. Talks have surfaced regarding a possible antitrust complaint and a public advocacy campaign. The company is also in discussions to renegotiate its revenue-sharing agreement with Microsoft, aiming to reduce the tech giant's share from 20% to approximately 10% by 2030.
