HIT: Auto supplier portal moves into healthcare

A web portal set up by the big three auto makers is now offering healthcare. Covisint, which was formed by DaimlerChrysler, Ford and General Motors to establish a web portal for their suppliers, said yesterday that it has signed Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan as its first healthcare customer. CompuWare acquired the joint project in 2004 from the automakers for an undisclosed sum. The Michigan healthcare market is historically closely watched by analysts. GM alone has budgeted $5.1 billion on benefits for its workers this year, and the Blues have a large market share.

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PLUS: Microsoft is working with the government of New Zealand on a project which will test the company's healthcare technologies in a limited national trial. Microsoft healthcare solutions division chief Neil Jordan visited the country to announce the initiative this week. Story