So let's go back 18 years. I run a small non profit agency. And we need new computers, so the Gates foundation gives us 4 PCs, software etc.
Years later Tech Soup offers updated software at a fraction of the retail price. We buy MS Office, the newest op system, etc., for $400.
A month later, Microsoft sends us a letter saying that we got $14,000 worth of software. Congratulations!
So who cares? The IRS gives a deduction on taxes to Microsoft and every year Bill make another billion or two.