It’s a curious move, coming from one of the largest software companies in the world, but a welcome one.

Yes, it’s a transparent attempt to fight open-source software by getting companies hooked on their product before they’ve grown into the next Google. But it can also help such companies when they need it the most. So while I can’t applaud Microsoft’s self-serving action, I can and do applaud the (likely unintentional) side effect of making their software affordable to companies that are watching every penny.

Of course, I’ve just heard of this program, and it’s likely that many startups won’t hear of it at all until after they’ve already adopted a system. And Linux has a big lead in the minds of the technical college-age kids who are the most likely founders of startups. But hey, it’s a start. 🙂