Google Health - Adam Bosworth

[intelliot]

I don't know why this has the word "heath" instead of "health" (missing the L), but here it is:

It isn't a big surprise that Google is thinking about healthcare — but now information suggests products or services for that industry are in the master plan.

Adam Bosworth, former VP of Engineering at BEA Systems, is working at Google with the title "Architect, Google Heath" according to the attendee list for PC Forum. It's not news that Google has been targeting healthcare in their advertising efforts, but why would Google need an "Architect" — especially one with Bosworth's background?

Adam has an impressive resume — but does not include anything related to sales or advertising. You can read more about his history on Wikipedia.

Known as one of the pioneers of XML, Bosworth previously held various senior management positions at Microsoft, including General Manager of the WebData group, a team focused on defining and driving XML strategy. While at Microsoft, he was responsible for designing and delivering the Microsoft Access PC database product (codenamed 'Cirrus') and assembling and driving the team that developed Internet Explorer 4.0's HTML engine (codenamed 'Trident').

Prior to Microsoft, Bosworth worked for Borland where he developed the Quattro spreadsheet application following Borland's acquisition of Analytica in 1985 - founded by Bosworth and Eric Michelman, and managed by Brad Silverberg.

Any guesses as to what Google might be working on with regards to "Google Health" would be speculation, but I think there could be some interesting products in the making.

Wikipedia says:

Recent reports suggest that Bosworth is heading the development of a new Google spin-off, known only as Google Health, and that he is operating under the title of "Architect" of the project at the present time. The announcement of the project, currently in its infancy, follows the discovery that 12% of individuals would consult Google prior to seeing a doctor [1], as well as the suggestion in a British Medical Journal editorial that one of the natural next steps for Google would be some kind of medical database for personal use.

According to this, 12% of people consult Google when faced with a medical problem, second only to the family doctor.

[myotismon]

Interesting, i know that i've searched google for health related issues.br
very easy, and quick.br
I'd immagine something like google scholar search, something like http://health.google.com, or doctor.google.combr
but something that will search medical records, and medical doccuments,
and things of the like, could be VERY useful thats alli have to say, i
hope it comes true.

[mondine]

I have to wonder if this development of a specific area is in any way a reaction to the Kosmix seach engine that is being developed by the Google founders' former schoolmates, and specializes in health-related search.

Geekerati mentioned it a while back in another forum.

[monclo]

this sound so nice to have medical information so simple to search

[intelliot]

Originally Posted by mondine

I have to wonder if this development of a specific area is in any way a reaction to the Kosmix seach engine that is being developed by the Google founders' former schoolmates, and specializes in health-related search.

Good question. Any idea how well Kosmix works?

[mondine]

Originally Posted by intelliot

Good question. Any idea how well Kosmix works?

They claim to give users a more accurate search return by analyzing the content of webpages, and not just their 'popularity'.

How is Kosmix different from other search engines?

At Kosmix, we have taken a different approach to helping people learn and discover through searching. When you need to learn about a medical condition, you want to see comprehensive results from the most authoritative medical sources. You also want to expand your base of knowledge by tapping into sources that don't show up in the top ten queries on most search engines. Kosmix helps you discover new sources of great health information by showing a number of different health categories for you to learn from, and providing in-depth results for all those categories. So whether you are looking for expert information to clinical trials, Kosmix can help you find those results quickly and easily.

From their FAQ

Although a long way from competition with the major search engine, they have expanded from their original field of Health, to also include Travel, and Politics.