Friday, 5 October 2007

Microsoft Launches Free Online ‘Health Vault’

Microsoft has launched a free website—Health Vault—where personal medical records can be stored and managed. Right now the website only offers services in the US....

Microsoft has launched a free website—Health Vault—where personal medical records can be stored and managed. Right now the website only offers services in the US.

This makes Microsoft the first of the big Internet companies to launch the health management services. Its staunch rival Google too has been thinking of launching its own personal health management website.

This is a bold initiative from Microsoft as it is asking people to deposit their health information on the Internet, a medium that is increasingly becoming a target of hackers and spammers.

HealthVault allows users to store information and health records such as blood tests, vaccinations and medical history. Microsoft ties HealthVault to a health-focused search service unveiled last week.

"Our focus is simple: to empower people to lead healthy lives," said Microsoft health solutions group vice president Peter Neupert.