During working hours, it is common for employees of an organization to share information and communicate with each other. Their information must be protected from non-members, so they need a private and secure network such as an intranet.
What is an Intranet?
An intranet can be defined as a private internal network. Since it is a private network no one can use the intranet except the users who have entered a correct username and password. This makes the intranet highly secure.
The new arrivals to the modern intranets are often called Employee Experience Intranets. An intranet is owned by a single organization and is a tool for sharing information throughout the organization. The intranet helps employees of an organization collaborate by performing work-related tasks and sharing information.
For what the intranets are used?
The intranet can take different forms. These forms could be a communication platform, knowledge-sharing platform, or even a social network. For this reason, some users are confused about the intranet’s definition.
Depending on the organization’s needs there are different ways of using the intranet. This includes the following:
- As a repository, where important information could be stored.
- Sharing information and providing an easy way for employees to work together and communicate.
- As social elements allow employees to create profiles, and posts, and browse the newsfeed.
- Managing projects by creating tasks that would help the users.
This makes collaboration and teamwork no longer a core task and requirement.
Business owners need to share information not only inside the company but also outside of the company. For example with customers, vendors, or supplies.
What is the difference between intranet and extranet?
The main difference between intranet and extranet is that the first term is used for sharing information inside the company as the prefix “intra” means inside. While extranet is used for business owners to share information and communicate outside of the company.
Extranet software supports personal communication, collaboration, knowledge, and document sharing between partners and organizations.
Conclusion
Intranet and extranet software are an important part of any business when done correctly. This will guarantee the efficiency of the processes that take place both inside and outside the company.
