Intranet, Extranet and Internet.
Intranet
1. What is an Intranet?
An intranet is a private network within an organization that is used for internal communication,
collaboration, and sharing of information and resources.
2. Features of Intranet
a. Easy navigation and search
A major intranet capability is the ability to store all of an organisation’s key information in
one place. Employees should be able to quickly find the information they need, without
getting lost in a maze of links.
b. Collaboration tools:
The ability to collaborate on projects and tasks.
c. News and announcements:
The ability to share news and announcements with employees.
d. Employee directory:
The ability to find contact information for employees.
e. Training and development:
The ability to provide training and development resources to employees.
f. HR resources:
The ability to access HR-related information, such as benefits and policies.
g. Support services:
The ability to submit support tickets and get help from IT.
3. Advantages of Intranet
● Sharing information through the intranet is very cost-effective.
● Employees can access information anytime and anywhere.
● It is simple to use and easy to learn.
● It serves as a hub where employees can store and download files quickly.
● It helps employees stay connected.
● The documents stored on the intranet are more secure.
Disadvantages of Intranet
● Setting up an intranet can be expensive.
● Employees need special training to use it properly.
● Too much data can be overwhelming.
● While it offers good security, some weaknesses still exist
Example:
Midwest’s intranet is entirely mobile optimised. This is essential for reaching agents in the field
and making them feel as connected to the company and its values as office-based workers.
As befitting Midwest’s own version of Google, it has a search bar. This means that it’s easy to
find information even when it’s not immediately obvious on the home page, saving significant
amounts of employee time.
Design-wise, ‘Moogle’ both emphasises the intranet’s use as a reference for all key company
information and adds an informal streak that cements their employees’ identity as more
approachable than corporate providers. This encourages employees to feel engaged with the
organisation’s goals and helps provide a sense of purpose to work across different roles.
Reference :
García Gallardo, Estefanía. "What Is Intranet?" Built In, 15 Dec. 2022.
https://builtin.com/software-engineering-perspectives/intranet. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
GeeksforGeeks. "What is an Intranet?" GeeksforGeeks, n.d.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-intranet/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
TechTarget. "Intranet Definition - What is an Intranet?" TechTarget, n.d.
https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/intranet. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Claromentis. "What Is an Intranet? Examples." Claromentis, n.d.
https://www.claromentis.com/blog/what-is-an-intranet-examples. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Extranet
1. What is an extranet?
An extranet is a private network that allows users not part of the organization to access some
part of the network, but not completely.
2. Features of an Extranet
a. Data Security: Extranets provide a secure environment for sharing confidential and
sensitive data between organizations.
b. Seamless Communication: They enable secure and seamless communication with
multiple parties, companies, and businesses.
c. Flexibility: Extranets offer flexibility in how organizations collaborate with external
partners.
d. Reduced Cost: They can help reduce costs associated with data sharing and
communication.
e. Authentication: Extranets allow for customized permissions and authentications to
control access to information.
f. Easy to Set Up: Setting up an extranet is relatively straightforward.
g. User-Focused Content: They provide user-focused content to facilitate collaboration.
h. Secure Sharing: Extranets ensure secure sharing of information with authorized external
parties.
3. Benefits of an Extranet
1. Share Knowledge: Extranets help organizations work with others by sharing ideas and
expertise, making tasks easier.
2. Keep Information Private: They allow secure data sharing with custom permissions to
control who sees what.
3. Real-Time Updates: Customers and partners can get instant updates on orders and
projects.
4. Faster Collaboration: Extranets reduce delays by keeping everyone informed and
providing necessary tools.
5. Accountability: They make it easier to track who’s done their work and who hasn’t.
4. Disadvantages
● Expensive to set up and maintain.
● Security risks when hosting sensitive information.
● Complicated to implement at the start.
● Risk of sharing information with the wrong people.
● Reduces face-to-face interactions with clients and partners.
● May harm the company’s image due to less personal connection with customers.
Example :
I. Financial institutions and banks use extranets to allow users to carry out transactions.
Ii. Government authorities, such as the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, use extranets to allow
users to submit e-documents.
Iii. Web design firms and architects use extranets to engage clients in ongoing projects.
IV.. Publishing firms use extranets to share content with authors, freelancers, and other editorial
staff.
V. The academic sector uses an extranet for online learning and administration.
VI. Suppliers use an extranet to update their customers on the inventory status or changed
prices of different items.
VII. The automotive industry uses extranets to connect various internal departments within their
manufacturing ecosystem.
Reference :
Schwarz, Lisa. "What is an Extranet?" NetSuite, 22 Apr. 2022.
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/extranet.shtml. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Snabay Networking. "Extranet and Its Advantages and Disadvantages." Snabay Networking,
n.d. https://snabaynetworking.com/extranet-and-its-advantages-and-disadvantages/. Accessed
20 Jan. 2025.
Spiceworks Editorial Team. "What Is an Extranet?" Spiceworks, n.d.
https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-extranet/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Internet
1. What is the internet?
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of devices, allowing people to share
information and communicate easily. It works using rules called protocols to send and receive
data and doesn’t have a central authority controlling it.
2. Features of the internet
1. Global Connectivity: Connects people and devices worldwide.
2. Information Access: Provides information on almost any topic.
3. Communication Tools: Offers email, social media, video calls, and more.
4. Online Services: Supports banking, shopping, education, and healthcare.
5. Entertainment: Provides movies, music, games, and other activities.
6. Learning and Research: Offers resources like courses and e-books.
7. Social Networking: Enables connections through platforms like Instagram and Twitter.
8. Cloud Computing: Allows storing and accessing data online.
9. E-commerce: Facilitates online buying and selling.
10.Collaboration: Supports teamwork with shared tools and workspaces.
3. Advantages
● Information Access: Offers a wealth of knowledge and resources.
● Communication: Allows instant connection through email, social media, and more.
● Convenience: Supports online shopping, banking, and other services.
● Education: Provides access to online courses and learning materials.
● Entertainment: Offers movies, games, and social media for enjoyment.
4. Disadvantages
● Addiction: May cause excessive use and dependence.
● Privacy Risks: Increases the chance of personal data leaks.
● Misinformation: Allows fake news and false information to spread.
● Cyberbullying: Enables harassment and bullying online.
● Security Threats: Makes users vulnerable to hacking and cybercrime.
Example : Email, google.
Reference:
Rouse, Margaret. "Internet." Techopedia, 22 Mar. 2024.
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/2419/internet. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Pandey, Avinash. "8 Major Features of Internet." Quick Learn Computer, 21 Feb. 2023.
https://quicklearncomputer.com/features-of-internet/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Freenology. "Advantages and Disadvantages of the Internet." Freenology, n.d.
https://freenology.com/advantages-and-disadvantages-of-internet/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
GeeksforGeeks. "What is Internet - Definition, Uses, Working, Advantages and Disadvantages."
GeeksforGeeks, n.d.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-internet-definition-uses-working-advantages-and-disadv
antages/. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.
Feature Intranet Extranet Internet
Private network within an organization for Private network that allows external parties Global network connecting millions of devices
Definition
internal use limited access worldwide
Accessible to both internal employees and
Access Only accessible to internal employees Accessible to everyone globally
authorized external users
Secure, but requires protection against internal High security with customized permissions for
Security Security risks due to open access
threats external users
Communication between internal and external Communication across the world (email, social
Communication Internal communication within the organization
parties media)
Collaboration Facilitates internal collaboration Enables collaboration with external partners Collaboration across organizations or globally
Typically free to use, but can involve costs for
Cost Generally low, but setup can be expensive Expensive to set up and maintain
services
Bank transactions, government submissions,
Examples Employee portals, internal databases Google, social media, online shopping
client engagement
Usage Internal sharing of files and information Sharing info with external partners or clients Sharing info, entertainment, social networking
Flexibility Limited to internal operations Flexible in allowing external collaboration Highly flexible, supporting a wide range of uses
Dependency on Internet Not reliant on the internet for internal functions Relies on the internet for external access Entirely dependent on the internet
HR resources, employee directories, project Supplier portals, academic platforms, financial Online shopping, research, social media,
Examples of Use
collaboration transactions e-commerce
IN CONCLUSION
The Intranet is like a private network for an organization, where only employees can access
and share information securely. It's great for internal communication, teamwork, and accessing
company resources like HR info.
The Extranet is a step further, allowing certain external people (like clients or partners) to
securely access the network. It’s flexible and useful for collaborating with outside organizations
while keeping data protected.
Finally, the Internet is the global network we all know and love. It connects millions of devices
worldwide and allows anyone to communicate, share information, shop, and enjoy
entertainment. Unlike the Intranet and Extranet, the Internet is open to everyone.
