The recent runaway popularity of intranets/extranets is simple to understand once you understand exactly what each term means and how each technology can impact your business.

INTRANETS: An intranet is a small, privately owned, Internet that's contained within a company or organization's computer network. It is typically accessible only to company employees and/or other authorized persons. An intranet allows employees and others to share data, information, files and applications. Basically, it acts just like the Internet in every way.

EXTRANETS: An extranet can be thought-of as the exterior to an intranet. Your company may want to offer access to portions of your intranet to company outsiders for various reasons; 1) Allow customers to view/purchase your products; 2) Allow customers to view or manager their account; 3) Allow clients to download files or retrieve information; 4) Allow suppliers to view account status and receive automated orders; among other reasons. A well-developed extranet will allow authorized outsiders access for any purpose, it will be secure and scalable so that it will last for years.

If you'd like to discuss my ideas for the development and implementation of a intranet and/or extranet for your business, please complete the short form on the right and I'll contact you, usually, within a few hours.