Globes reported yesterday that Google Israel, which has been behind Google Trends and YouTube Annotations among other features, will be restructuring its presence in Israel and creating a Google – Israel R&D Center.

According to the article, the new center will combine Google’s R&D operations in Tel Aviv and Haifa but will still allow them to function as two separate offices, though the longterm fate of the Haifa is questionable. It will also add data analysis and search to its responsibilities.

The article drew my attention because it indirectly raises the questions:

• How long will the Google -Israel R&D Center continue to function in two separate locations? (It sort of addresses it – “At this stage we are keeping the existing situation.”)
• Will it be hiring or firing based on this? (Google Israel currently only has openings in Tel Aviv)
• Given Microsoft Israel’s and EMC’s recent outsourcing and recruiting programs in Israel, will Google follow with its own program and incentives?

Expanding on the last question, in a post a few weeks ago about Microsoft Israel’s efforts, some of the benefits I listed of implementing such programs included: additional exposure, new products and a large pool of potential future employees. Of course, there’s also the cost-efficiency advantage. It seems now would be the perfect time for Google Israel to implement its own program. 

What do you think?