Whats in this for Bill Gates? Plenty, although you wouldnt know it from Microsoft research veep Rick Rashid, who told the Associated Press, "Microsoft views education as one of the great frontiers where information-based service and advanced technology can improve peoples lives." Lofty sentiments aside, Microsoft researchers will have access to MIT's facilities and the brainpower of its faculty and students, and, most important, will also get first options on patent innovations arising from the project.
Microsoft-wary TIME Digital editor Josh Quittner doesnt see any need to panic over Gatess latest move. "Its hardly unusual that the private sector and a big university are teaming up to create new technology," he says. And dont worry about absent-minded academics being hoodwinked by Gates and his gang. "MIT is filled with bright people," says Quittner, "who can weigh the risks versus the benefits of this deal better than anyone."