Microsoft spends a lot of time in the hallowed halls of academia, and according to an article today from the AP, more than most companies of its ilk. The company sponsors contests, research centers, and academic chairs, as well as giving deep discounts to students and faculty.
Sure, Bill Gates & wife are big on education through their foundation. But the AP warns this may not be all about altruism (and really? is anyone surprised here? oldest trick in the book, right?), but about persuading "young minds to become loyal to Microsoft products." The AP interviewed Bill, who told them that putting money into colleges and universities is "an investment" and there is a "commercial element ... [a] benefit to us that people have this exposure" while they're still impressionable. After all, he says, the idea of creating the next version of Microsoft Office or the Xbox console is way more fun than the idea of inventing the next, um, hamburger.
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