Core Insights - Microsoft is facing a prolonged data center supply shortage, likely extending until 2026, which is longer than previously anticipated by management [1][4] - The demand for AI computing power continues to surge, with global AI startups raising a record $192.7 billion, indicating a fierce competition in the AI sector [1] - Major cloud providers, including Microsoft, Amazon, and Google, are struggling with supply constraints for high-performance AI servers and traditional cloud computing servers [2][3] Group 1: Data Center Supply Constraints - Microsoft’s internal forecasts indicate that new Azure subscriptions in key regions like Northern Virginia and Texas will be limited until mid-2026 due to severe shortages [2][4] - The shortage affects both AI GPU-based servers and traditional CPU-based cloud computing services, impacting Microsoft's Azure platform, which is projected to generate over $75 billion in revenue for FY2025 [3][6] - The ongoing supply constraints are attributed to the rapid expansion of AI infrastructure investments, which are driving the demand for new data centers [3][9] Group 2: Competitive Landscape and Market Dynamics - Microsoft, along with its competitors, has consistently reported an inability to meet all customer demands for cloud computing and AI capabilities over the past six quarters [6] - The AI infrastructure investment wave is expected to reach $2 trillion to $3 trillion, driven by unprecedented demand for AI computing resources [10] - Analysts have raised their forecasts for AI infrastructure spending among major tech companies, projecting a rise from $420 billion in 2026 to $490 billion [14]