Reports surfaced over the weekend that Google was close to launching a health portal. Discussions are underway with WebMD and Intuit, involving a user “scrapbook” that would possibly allow the payment of bills or the viewing of personal medical records.
I have previously breathlessly speculated about Google and “the Law.” A health portal certainly shows a Google interest in an information-rich vertical market and a willingness to address thorny regulatory and privacy issues. But would a law portal provide an attractive business model?
A start would be integrating Google Maps with a business phone directory and allowing lawyers and clients to use the just-born Google Checkout payment service. It’s not the mother lode of a law portal opportunity where I would go if I were Google, but it’s a start.
But last time I checked I’m not Google…
In other news, Google gives the Midwest some reason to cheer with reports that it will locate a 1,000 employee research center in Ann Arbor.
Two cheers for Google, and the obviously loyal Wolverine, co-founder Larry Page.
