An Intranet, is a network connecting an affiliated set of clients using standard Internet protocols such as TCP/IP and HTTP.
This network is separated from other networks and computers outside by “firewalls”. The firewall is a means of preventing unauthorised access to the internal network.
The type of information available on an Intranet varies from business to business, most organisations would have a selection of the following:
- Company policies and procedures
- Company notice boards
- Discussion groups
- Company structure tree
- Product information and pricing
- Company documentation such as ISO900
Each of these sections would be up-datable from remote locations by authorised personnel.
An Extranet is an Intranet, which allows connections from an outside company in order to exchange information. This can be useful when you need to share sensitive data with selected clients or suppliers.