Microsoft Corp. announced that it has agreed to acquire Medstory Inc., a privately held company based in Foster City, Calif., that develops intelligent web search technology specifically for health information. Microsoft said the acquisition represents a strategic move for the company in the consumer health search arena and signals a long-term commitment toward the development of a broader consumer health strategy. Financial terms were not disclosed. Microsoft said that Medstory’s search technology is different from most search engines because it provides “prequalified” information to people conducting searches. Eventually, Microsoft hopes the search engine will be able to pinpoint specific treatments and drug interactions for individuals, reports The New York Times.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Medstory comes as consumers’ searches on health web sites have intensified and as companies are attempting to generate profits by tapping into the consumer-driven healthcare movement. Recently, for example, America Online founder Stephen Case announced his new health web site, RevolutionHealth.com.
