Google ready to launch health platform

Hard on the heels of Microsoft's announcement of its HealthVault personal health record ("Microsoft PHR Connects Physicians, Patients," InfoTech Bulletin, Oct. 12, 2007), Google released some information about its long-planned PHR and health search engine. Google expects to launch the new feature, which will also include a "doctor finder," in early 2008.

It has been reported that parts of the Google health offering will be free, but particular services and applications might require a subscription (iHealthBeat, 10/18/07).