Some asset probably complement Microsoft to give Microsoft profit. For example, LinkedIn owns Lynda.com. Microsoft could make all training for their products on

Some asset probably complement Microsoft to give Microsoft profit. For example, LinkedIn owns Lynda.com. Microsoft could make all training for their products on Lynda free. This would boost Microsoft's products because their users are more knowledgeable and can use their products better, or brings in new customers because now they have free, quality training. Then maybe those users who enjoy the free Microsoft training on Lynda buys a subscription because they have other things to learn and feel it's worth the value...so this would increase revenue on LinkedIn side. Yes, Microsoft could have achieved the same result by giving Lynda some $ per user that watches their Microsoft training...This is just one scenario...I hope they have more.