Google represented something of a bright spot during the past few months; while other tech companies made layoffs, the search giant just slowed its hiring spree.  Unfortunately, Google became part of the downsizing pattern this afternoon, announcing the elimination of 200 sales and marketing positions. 

Omid Kordestani, Google’s senior vice president of global sales and business development, didn’t sound happy about the move in a post on the Official Google Blog.  Kordestani wrote, “Making changes of this kind is never easy – and we recognize that the recession makes the timing even more difficult for the Googlers concerned.”

There are a couple of potential silver linings, though.  First, from a business perspective, it may be that Google isn’t suffering from the effects of the recession.  Although he mentioned misleading growth trends, Kordestani claimed, “In some areas we’ve created overlapping organizations which not only duplicate effort but also complicate the decision-making process.  That makes our teams less effective and efficient than they should be.”

Then, the exec – who has declined bonus payments and equity awards – promised that Google is trying to shuffle people around instead of fire them.  Plus, outplacement support and severance packages will be available for those who actually leave.

Google’s making the best of a bad situation, at least.