By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Square will possibly see less overall profit but, weighed against that, less initial advertising expenditure and more guaranteed money up-front. Basically, they took the safer bet. Microsoft's contributions can be applied immediately to the bottom line without a lengthy wait on the investment.

Of course, this is the less consumer friendly approach, so I hope the final numbers point toward this being the wrong path.