Microsoft Corp.'s contribution to the Dell Inc. buyout is a $2 billiongamble that the software giant can prop up one of its biggest customers without annoying all the others.

Microsoft said its aim is to sustain the web of companies that help sell its software and services. It has done it before. It put billions into Nokia Corp. to get its software on smartphones and pays Yahoo Inc. to bolster its Bing search engine.

The loan Microsoft is providing the world's No. 3 PC maker is a small financial bet for Microsoft, which had $68.3 billion in cash and short-term securities at year-end and generates about $2 billion in cash each month.

But as a Dell creditor, Microsoft could see its relationships with other hardwareallies fray. That is something the maker of Windows has been increasinglywilling to risk to achieve its business goals after missing out on fast-growing computing markets such as tablets and smartphones.

Microsoft annoyed some PC makers last year when it started selling its first homegrown computer, the Surface. Now, Microsoft will have to allay concerns that it will favor Dell over other computer vendors, including Hewlett-Packard Co., Lenovo Group Ltd. and Acer Inc.

Since the Surface's release, H-P and Lenovo have begun building laptops that run software from Google Inc. Some analysts said the Dell deal will give PC makers more leverage to negotiate more favorable licensing terms with Microsoft.

'For Microsoft, it crossed the Rubicon when it shipped the Surface, and relationships with PC manufacturers will never be the same,' said Brad Silverberg, a venturecapitalist and former Microsoft executive.

Microsoft said on Tuesday it is 'committed to the long term success of the entire PC ecosystem' and 'will continue to look for opportunities to support partners who are committed to innovating and driving business