You can assume or claim anything like
1. This move [“This move” is explained below] is to spread Microsoft products better to counter attack open source products as they are shaping up greatly.
2. Make startups dependent on Microsoft
3. Compete or overtake Google and Salesforce on their Cloud Computing platform
Whatever,
Microsoft is giving away F R E E software to early stage Web start-up companies as part of their world-wide BizSpark program launched yesterday. BizSpark aims to help start-ups by providing production licenses and technical support for several Microsoft products. The licenses are free for the first three years, after which the start-ups must start to pay. The start-ups needs to spend [just] 100$ once they graduate from the program or at the end of three years.
Links to BizSpark
Krishna's Stumbles 