Digital Trends

Google expects to follow Microsoft into the arena of health and medical records, saying the long-expected Google Health should debut in early 2008.

Speaking at the Web 2.0 Summit in San Francisco, Marissa MAyer, leader of Google's search operation, revealed that the long-gestating Google Health initiative will formally debut in early 2008. The announcement follows Microsoft's recent high-profile entry into the medical records and health information with HealthVault earlier this month.

Mayer pointed out that a great many Internet users already use Google as a starting point to search for health and medical information on the Internet, and the health and medical industries produce an enormous amount of data and information. She sees the arena as a good match for Google, who can apply its expertise in indexing, searching, and managing vast amount of information, and connect that data with an audience already searching for health and wellness informnation.

Of course, health care and pharmaceutical companies also spend a lot of money on advertising, and Google would no doubt like to continue tapping into that revenue stream—Google already targets the health industry with its Adwords program.

According to reports, Google's health offering will bring together health-related search features, health and lifestyle information (like diet and exercise programs), and a localized "find a doctor" feature. The service will also incorporate personal medical records, although Google has not yet specified how those records will be managed and protected. Mayer confirmed the company has shown prototype versions to partners and is testing the system with "trusted" third parties and Google employees. Many aspects of the service will be available for free, but Google plans to offer some applications and services on a subscription basis.