OpenAI and Anthropic are developing industry-specific AI applications and services. This shift forces enterprise customers building on their APIs to compete directly with their primary model suppliers.
The transition from platform providers to application competitors creates uncertainty regarding future API access. Customers fear the AI labs may reserve their most advanced models for proprietary products rather than public sale.
Both companies have already expanded into AI consulting and services. These moves signal a strategic intent to capture more value beyond providing raw API access, prompting businesses to reassess their reliance on these foundational models.