OpenAI buys Ona to boost secure AI coding agent capabilities
OpenAI has acquired Ona, a European startup specializing in secure cloud environments, to enhance its Codex AI coding agent. The move allows Codex agents to run within customers' own cloud infrastructure, addressing data security and privacy concerns for enterprise users. This acquisition aims to boost trust and enable longer, more complex coding tasks.
Key points
- OpenAI announced the acquisition of Ona, formerly known as Gitpod, on Thursday.
- Ona provides secure cloud environments allowing AI agents to run within a customer's own cloud infrastructure.
- The acquisition aims to enhance OpenAI's Codex AI coding agent, enabling it to handle longer, more complex tasks securely.
- Ona's 'customer-controlled execution' feature keeps customer data and credentials within their environment.
- Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it targets enterprise adoption by addressing IT department concerns about data control.
Artificial intelligence company OpenAI has acquired Ona, a European startup that developed secure, persistent cloud environments. The move is designed to bolster OpenAI's Codex AI coding agent, particularly for enterprise clients.
Ona's platform allows AI agents to operate within a customer's private cloud infrastructure. This "customer-controlled execution" model means sensitive data, credentials, and audit trails remain with the client, a crucial factor for organizations concerned about data security and privacy. Ona's technology enables AI agents to continue complex coding tasks, such as modernizing codebases or patching vulnerabilities, even after a human user logs off.
OpenAI stated that its Codex agent is experiencing significant growth, with over 5 million weekly users, a 400% increase since earlier in the year. The acquisition of Ona is positioned as a strategic step to build trust with businesses by offering a secure workspace for AI agents, facilitating more robust and continuous AI-driven development workflows.
Sources
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