What Are Intranets & Extranets?

The terms “Intranet” and “Extranet” are common technical terms appearing in the media, interactions and business everywhere but the meaning of them is often confused. Another often similar confused term is “Customer Portal”. Let us first examine the definitions of Intranet” and “Extranet” so you can get a clear picture of what they are.

INTRANET - many times persons confuse this with the “internet”. The distinction is that the internet is a global network of computers interconnected while the intranet is a private network which is operational within an organization. Another major difference is the audience and objectives they target. It is important to note that even though the intranet may occasionally use the internet as a means of connecting across facilities and locations it is still not accessed by the public.

Audience & Objectives of an Intranet
Audience - Employees
Objectives

- Information Repository

- Communication

- Automation of Processes

- Training

- Team Collaboration

The intranet, in previous times acted mainly as an alternative for the back and forth medium of mails and as a central point for employees to access company resources.
Some Practical Uses

- Company Policies

- Development & Training

- Employee Directories

- Project Management

- In-house Social Network

In present times the intranet is an important part of an organization. It facilities real time communication within the organization, efficient information flows and provides a means for real time team work for groups that are spread across different locations. Mainly the staffs are the persons using an intranet for efficiency in staff work, forum for social communication and mutual learning. Managers may also use it to transmit objectives and policies information to lower levels of the organization.

EXTRANET - This is also a private network but focuses outward on a wider range of audience. It is used to securely transmit information with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers or other businesses. Because these persons and companies are located at distant locations the extranet uses the internet to connect with them. It should also be noted that an organization can have different extranets dedicated to different companies. The extranet can also be viewed as an extended intranet where companies have access to an organization’s private network.

Audience & Objectives of an Extranet
Audience - Suppliers, Vendors, Partners, Clients
Objectives

- Share Information

- Communication

- Integration of Processes

- Training

- Collaboration

Information technology has given birth to new technologies like the “supply chain” approach which has created new ways of interacting. This birth moves towards a greater system of information exchange with external persons and organizations; the extranet.
Some Practical Uses

- Client Support

- Product Demos

- On-Line Catalogues

- Joint Project Management

Similar to the intranet, the extranet provides a way of interacting and information sharing. However, the information in the extranet is based on the needs vendors, partners, or clients e.g. an extranet implemented for a specific software services provider. The users of this extranet will utilize it for managing project timelines, communicating specifications, sharing project resources, providing deliverables etc. Other examples include offering knowledge bases, training materials, discussion forums and an interactive help desk with the extranet.
In 2001 Highbeam Research reported with top Times organizations that 38% of companies offered online access to information to its users. An added 23% plans to make use of the extranet by the end of 2002.
Uses

- Share Information

- Joint Projects

- Product Training

- Customer Support

- Cross Selling

- Feedback Mechanism

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