If you can't buy 'em, hire 'em.

Microsoft's failed attempts to buy all or part of Yahoo dragged on for most of 2008. Much of it was an embarrassment for both companies, but Microsoft's of Yahoo's top search talent is turning out to be a smart move.

It's likely that the November departure of Yahoo CEO Jerry Yang opened the doors for Microsoft to start interviewing Yahoo-ites. By early December, Microsoft had hired Yahoo search chief Qu Li to run its online services group and Yahoo search VP Sean Suchter to be the GM of Microsoft's Silicon Valley Search Technology Center.

No two men, no matter how smart, will be able to pull Microsoft Live Search out of its any time soon. But losing top talent to the company trying to take you over will chip away at Yahoo's already flimsy morale.

Also, having top search technologists like Li and Suchter on board will make for a smoother transition if Microsoft does indeed , an idea that Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer seemingly every other week.