A Microsoft statement:

"“As you may be aware, many technology companies active in the growing smartphone space have been taking increasing steps to protect their inventions. As the two companies have a long history of technical and commercial collaboration, Microsoft views this agreement as an effective example of how industry leaders can reach commercially reasonable arrangements that address intellectual property concerns.”"

From http://blogs.zdnet.com/microsoft/?p=...ontent;wrapper

I say, I prefer what MS did (reach out for an agreement) compared to what Apple did (sue the hell out of them.