OpenAI, Anthropic expand services push, signaling new phase in enterprise AI race

Deepika Giri, head of research for AI, analytics, and data for Asia Pacific at IDC, said the shift could point to a broader restructuring of enterprise AI.

“AI model providers are moving beyond being platform vendors to actively shaping the entire AI value chain,” Giri said. “By expanding into implementation, consulting, and managed services, they are positioning themselves closer to enterprise outcomes rather than just supplying underlying technology.”

Kawoosa added that some IT services companies may be cautious about AI because the technology is still unreliable, and because wider adoption could weaken their role in enterprise IT projects. “With this change in go-to-market strategy, AI players are taking charge,” he said.