Alibaba Cloud and Zhipu Announce Alternative Solutions for OpenAI API Services in China

On June 26, multiple API developers reported receiving a "warning letter" from OpenAI, signaling that stricter measures would be enforced to limit API usage in unsupported regions. This prompted several major Chinese AI companies to announce alternatives to OpenAI's API services for developers, including offerings from Zhiyu, Alibaba Cloud, and Baidu Smart Cloud.

Zhiyu has launched a "Special Migration Plan" for OpenAI API users, facilitating their transition to Zhiyu's large language models. Their GLM model is designed to compete directly with OpenAI's offerings, utilizing a fully proprietary technology stack to ensure security and user control. Key features include:

- 150 million tokens (50 million for GLM-4 and 100 million for GLM-4-Air)

- Comprehensive migration training from OpenAI to GLM

- A token giveaway program for high-usage clients that aligns with OpenAI's usage, with no limits

- Equivalent concurrency levels to OpenAI

- A high-tier membership policy

- Dedicated migration consultants and five days of technical expert support

- Documentation training and assistance

Alibaba Cloud has introduced its Qwen-Plus model, claimed to have capabilities on par with "GPT-4," but at a fraction of the cost—only 1/50th of OpenAI's pricing.

Baidu Smart Cloud has launched the "Thousand Sails Plan," offering zero-cost transitions for newly registered enterprise users. Services available include:

- Free access to the flagship Wenxin model, including a 50 million token package for the ERNIE 3.5 flagship model

- Ongoing free access to ERNIE Speed, ERNIE Lite, and ERNIE Tiny models

- Additional token packages for ERNIE 3.5 that align with OpenAI usage, specifically for migrating users

- Free fine-tuning training services

- A zero-cost SDK migration tool

- Expert support for migration and usage guidance

This comprehensive support structure highlights the competitive landscape among these Chinese AI firms, offering viable API alternatives for developers impacted by OpenAI's regional regulations.