NEW YORK, March 4, 2026, 10:03 EST
- OpenAI is said to be working on its own code-hosting platform, a potential challenger to Microsoft-owned GitHub, according to The Information.
- Recent issues at GitHub triggered the effort, according to the report.
- It’s an early-stage project, so a launch could still be months out.
OpenAI is working on its own code-hosting service that could challenge Microsoft’s GitHub, The Information reported Tuesday. That would put the ChatGPT creator on more competitive footing with one of its main supporters. 1
For Microsoft, the stakes are clear. GitHub underpins its developer segment. These code-hosting platforms—where software lives, changes get tracked, and teams coordinate—form the backbone of today’s software development.
A big GitHub client putting together its own replacement—even just for in-house needs—highlights two stresses at once: users want more dependable service, and OpenAI is pushing to tighten its grip on its infrastructure.
OpenAI engineers have run into more frequent service disruptions lately, with GitHub outages becoming a problem in recent months, The Information reported. The outlet added the project remains early, likely needing months before it’s ready, and staffers have talked about possibly offering it for sale to OpenAI customers. 2
GitHub has been making a bigger move into AI-assisted coding with Copilot, its so-called “AI pair programmer” that drops autocomplete code suggestions right into editors. 3
Reuters reported that OpenAI, GitHub, and Microsoft hadn’t responded right away to requests for comment.
OpenAI’s government connections are under the spotlight. On Monday, the U.S. State Department confirmed it’s replacing Anthropic with OpenAI as the model powering its internal chatbot, StateChat. That move follows an order to wind down Anthropic products, according to a memo viewed by Reuters. 4
The day after, according to a person with knowledge of the talks who spoke to Reuters, OpenAI was weighing a contract to bring its technology onto NATO’s “unclassified” networks. That move comes just days after OpenAI secured an agreement to roll out its tech inside the Pentagon’s classified network. 5
OpenAI chief Sam Altman is sharpening the messaging on the company’s deal with the Pentagon. “We have been working with the DoW (Department of War) to make some additions in our agreement to make our principles very clear,” Altman said on X, as reported by Reuters. 6
Still, there are clear caveats. The project’s early-stage, the information comes from someone described as having knowledge of it, and Reuters couldn’t independently verify the account. That means the whole thing might remain internal, face delays, or never materialize at all.
With Microsoft, the main question isn’t tied to any one tool. It’s about direction: Will OpenAI stick to fueling demand on Microsoft’s platforms, or keep nudging its way into direct rivalry over developer infrastructure—where switching isn’t trivial, but it’s far from impossible?
