Intranets and Extranets

What is an Intranet?

An Intranet is a private computer network which uses Internet protocols and network connections to securely share any part of an organisation's information or operational systems with its employees.

Advantages of an Intranet:

• Workforce productivity can increase due to the fact that users locate and view information faster.
• Time taken to do work will decrease because employees have the ability link to relevant information at a time which suits them.
• Communication will improve because the company is able to have a world wide range when communicating with other offices in the company.
• It will save money because users can view information and data via web-browser rather than maintaining physical paper based documents.

Disadvantages of an Intranet:

• It is an evolving technology that requires upgrades and could have software incompatibility problems
• Some employees may not have computers at their desk
• Maintaining the content can be time consuming
• Security features can be inadequate
• Inadequate system performance management and poor user support

What is an Extranet?

An extranet is a private network that uses Internet technology and telecommunication networks to securely share a business's information with suppliers, partners, or customers. An extranet can be viewed as part of a company's intranet that is extended to users outside the company.

Advantages of an Extranet:

• Extranets can improve organization productivity by automating processes that were previously done manually
• Extranets allow organization or project information to be viewed at times convenient for business partners, customers, employees, suppliers and other stake-holders.
• Information on an extranet can be updated, edited and changed instantly.
• Extranets can improve relationships with key customers, providing them with accurate and updated information.
  

Disadvantages of an Extranet:

• Extranets can be expensive to implement and maintain.
• Security of extranets is a big concern when dealing with valuable information.
• Extranets can reduce personal contact with customers and business partners.