Google Cuts Projects and People

Google is human and not immune to the downturn in the economy. Google announced that they are cutting 100 recruiters and ending deals with several contractors. Now they are cutting several projects like Dodgeball, Jaiku, Mashup Editor, Notebook, Catalog Search, and Google Video. 

I am sure this is the start of a bigger trend to re-focus and prioritize engineering resources across the company. Some of the lavish perks I am sure will also be on the chopping block as Google positions itself to weather the tough economic storm ahead. Google’s quarter looks to be under pressure according to Piper Jaffray analyst Gene Munster, who said in a research note that “Google’s paid clicks are tracking down in December, and that may put pressure on the fourth quarter.”

Regardless of what happens anyone who is in the advertising bsuiness will suffer in this economic down turn. The easiest thing for a CEO to cut in tough times is the marketing budget.