This is a common option (home user program) for employees of companies and organizations (HP, US Military, etc) that have large volume licenses for Microsoft products. This isn't a new desparate attempt to reclaim market share either, as it's been around for several years (and many iterations of MS software). I have the same deal through work, as does my wife.
I have to agree, it is a great program to get people using MS software, and is one of the key reasons I use MS software rather than a free version.
