I must say, I'm amazed at the overwhelming shortsightedness of this comment. Or maybe it's typical some people not to understand that not every return is immediate. So....

1) Google employees loads of systems and software engineers. Giving money to a university based center like OSU, PSU, and the Open Source Lab seems pretty smart. Does it generate an immediate ROA? no...But lot's of companies looking to get into Open Source are complaining about access to talent. Contributing to cirriculum and research seems like a good non-direct return.

2) Google uses loads of Open Source to help directly nail their margins. Having a healthy Open Source community helps that.