I think the point is that they're still expanding (and hence hiring). See this paragraph: "Though Google is expanding into multiple areas such as operating sy

I think the point is that they're still expanding (and hence hiring). See this paragraph: "Though Google is expanding into multiple areas such as operating systems, applications, online books and display advertising, more than 90 percent of company revenue comes from keyword-related search advertising, acknowledged Schmidt, who is also the chairman of the company." To me this seems smart. If you still have the money to expand and you realize the recession will eventually end it's smart to continue expanding. That way not only will you not lose 2 years but you'll essentially gain 2 years that were lost by all the other companies that slammed on the brakes because of recession fears.