AI/LLM · Hybrid
OpenAI
OpenAI runs large GPU superclusters and Kubernetes-based orchestration across Azure and its own data centers in a hybrid setup, with Azure as the primary cloud and custom HPC clusters (e.g., Stargate) for training and serving frontier models.[15][16][19] Core application and API workloads use relational stores like PostgreSQL for accounts/settings and globally scalable databases such as Azure Cosmos DB plus Kafka streams for high-volume conversation, analytics, and event data.[1][8][12]
Foundation proximity: Native (own / self-hosted weights)
Foundational models & how they consume them
PrimaryGPT-4 class frontier models (e.g., GPT-4 family)· Self-hosted on Azure GPU superclusters and OpenAI-operated HPC (e.g., Stargate) · Native (own / self-hosted weights)
SecondaryGPT-4o and successor ChatGPT models· Self-hosted on Azure/OpenAI hybrid infrastructure · Native (own / self-hosted weights)
Cloud & datastore
HybridAzure Cosmos DBPostgreSQLBlob/Object Storage (e.g., Azure Blob)Kafka (for event/log streaming)Compliance
SOC 2 (inferred from enterprise-grade cloud use on Azure)[15][16]ISO 27001 (inferred from Azure AI and hyperscaler environments)[15][16]Regional data residency and enterprise controls via Azure/OpenAI Deployment Company (inferred)[15][19][20]Similar companies
AI21 LabsAleph AlphaAnthropicCohereContextual AIHugging FaceOthers that build on OpenAI · GPT
AbridgeAirbnbAirtableAmbienceAmplitudeAsanaExplore
FAQ
Does OpenAI use a foundational AI model?
OpenAI uses GPT-4 class frontier models (e.g., GPT-4 family), GPT-4o and successor ChatGPT models (Native (own / self-hosted weights)).
What cloud does OpenAI run on?
OpenAI runs on Hybrid.
What database does OpenAI use?
OpenAI uses Azure Cosmos DB, PostgreSQL, Blob/Object Storage (e.g., Azure Blob), Kafka (for event/log streaming).
How close does OpenAI run to the foundational model?
OpenAI is Native (own / self-hosted weights) — close to the metal, so cheaper tokens and more control over outputs.
Sources
openai.com ↗Also on the map
← Full orbit map (260 companies) · Score your own stack →
Architecture inferred from public sources · confidence low · verify before betting on a detail.