Research note
Research note: Microsoft releases Decision-1, a small model that picks between fixed options instead of writing text
How we checked what Microsoft-Decision-1 does, what it costs and which performance figures are Microsoft’s own.
What we set out to check
What the model does, what it is built on, its price and where to get it, and which performance figures come only from Microsoft.
What we found
- Microsoft’s post gives the purpose, the Qwen3.5-9B base, the price and the benchmark claims.
- Two independent outlets match the price and the base model.
Numbers that differ
TestingCatalog said OpenRouter support was coming soon; Microsoft’s post lists OpenRouter as available. The post may have been updated, so we say both. TestingCatalog also named a different runner-up model in the speed comparison than Microsoft’s current post. We use Microsoft’s current wording and only quote the GPT-6 Sol comparison.
Labels we chose and why
- Confirmed for what Microsoft states about the product.
- Company claim for accuracy and speed results.
What we could not verify
- Independent benchmark results.
- The licence for the model weights.
What we searched
- Microsoft-Decision-1 decision model
- Microsoft Decision-1 Foundry price Qwen3.5-9B
- Microsoft Decision-1 benchmarks GPT-6 Sol
Every source we read
| Source | Used? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft: Microsoft-Decision-1 in Foundry | USED | Primary source for purpose, base model, price, availability and benchmark claims. |
| TestingCatalog | USED | Independent report matching the price and base model. |
| RuntimeWire | USED | Independent report. Used for the author background. |
| MarkTechPost | NOT USED | Could not be opened by our tools. |