HealthVault is a new venture from Microsoft that aims to create a place where health data can be stored and managed without the fear of data leaks. 

Google has long been planning a similar project, and online health data is poised to be the next big battleground between the two technology giants. 

From the article:

“Microsoft’s HealthVault lets people stockpile records such as blood tests, vaccinations and medical history and control access to select portions of the data to health care providers. ‘Our focus is simple: to empower people to lead healthy lives,’ said Microsoft health solutions group vice president Peter Neupert.”

I’m not really crazy about putting my personal health information online just yet, mostly because it sounds like the kind of thing that’s going to immediately be a favorite target of identity theives and hackers.  And Google already knows so much about me simply from the data they mine from the Google toolbar and usage of their search engine…I’m not sure I want them to know what medication I’m on and where my aches and pains are.  However, there is clearly a benefit to the consumer to be able to view, manage, and transmit your medical records online; and Microsoft (and Google) are claiming they are developing secure systems that will guard and protect your health data.