The only way I am aware of MS supporting the UK forces is in the Home Use Scheme, where you can buy MS Office 2007 for use at home for about £20. However, it's hardly the same thing, and I'm pretty sure it applies to all large companies using MS products.
But let's not turn this into a crusade against MS ... it's more about the way in which the UK as a whole supports us, and that's quietly. I don't expect our people to be applauded in the supermarket or cheered when getting petrol, but we haven't exactly been helped in recent years by the enforced withdrawal from sight brought about by covering-up when off unit ... a policy still being briefed and directed at some units!!! Unless you are right next to one of the few bases we have left in the UK, a serviceman in uniform is more likely to be met with a funny look than a pat on the back.
Coming back to the original line though, I think it's fair to say that the Armed Forces Discount Brochure was a genuine attempt to enlist the support of companies, but in most cases the same deals, or better, are available to the general public if they are prepared to ask. Companies supporting such schemes still want your cash, and are disingenuous when they offer a 10 or 20% discount. Compare this with the American approach: 'We are proud to off free entry to the whole family of active service personnel'. It may be that this increases their profits by improving their profile, but I wouldn't be surprised if some UK companies felt that supporting the armed forces might upset some potential customers.
It would be nice to see some Government leadership here, after all, they seem to base most decisions on the needs of industry, so surely they are owed a few favours - then again we aren't exactly well supported by the current bunch of chimps, so what should we expect.
Just out of interest, has anyone seen the Secretary of State for Defence recently?
Rant off, time for bed.
STH