Intranet Overview

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Intranet

Intranet is defined as private network of computers within an organization with its own server and firewall. Moreover we can define Intranet as:

• Intranet is system in which multiple PCs are networked to be connected to each other. PCs in intranet are not available to the world outside of the intranet.

• Usually each company or organization has their own Intranet network and members/employees of that company can access the computers in their intranet.

• Every computer in internet is identified by a unique IP address.

• Each computer in Intranet is also identified by a IP Address, which is unique among the computers in that Intranet.

Benefits

Intranet is very efficient and reliable network system for any organization. It is beneficial in every aspect such as collaboration, cost-effectiveness, security, productivity and much more.

Communication

Intranet offers easy and cheap communication within an organization. Employees can communicate using chat, e-mail or blogs.

Time Saving

Information on Intranet is shared in real time.

Collaboration

Information is distributed among the employees as according to requirement and it can be accessed by the authorized users, resulting in enhanced teamwork.

Platform Independency

Intranet can connect computers and other devices with different architecture.

Cost Effective

Employees can see the data and other documents using browser rather than printing them and distributing duplicate copies among the employees, which certainly decreases the cost.

Workforce Productivity

Data is available at every time and can be accessed using company workstation. This helps the employees work faster.

Business Management

It is also possible to deploy applications that support business operations.

Security

Since information shared on intranet can only be accessed within an organization, therefore there is almost no chance of being theft.

Specific Users

Intranet targets only specific users within an organization therefore, once can exactly know whom he is interacting.

Immediate Updates

Any changes made to information are reflected immediately to all the users.

Issues

Apart from several benefits of Intranet, there also exist some issues.. These issues are shown in the following diagram:

Applications of Intranet

Intranet applications are same as that of Internet applications. Intranet applications are also accessed through a web browser. The only difference is that, Intranet applications reside on local server while Internet applications reside on remote server. Here, we've discussed some of these applications:

Document publication applications

Document publication applications allow publishing documents such as manuals, software guide, employee profits etc without use of paper.

Electronic resources applications

It offers electronic resources such as software applications, templates and tools, to be shared across the network.

Interactive Communication applications

Like on internet, we have e-mail and chat like applications for Intranet, hence offering an interactive communication among employees.

Support for Internet Applications

Intranet offers an environment to deploy and test applications before placing them on Internet.

Internet vs. Intranet

Apart from similarities there are some differences between the two. Following are the differences between Internet and Intranet:

Characteristics of Intranet

Some of the key Characteristics of an Intranet are as follows −

• Effective for Internal Communication − An intranet is a dedicated private network to disseminate information within the organization.
• Collaboration Tools − Intranets specifically designed to perform collaborative work like project management systems, shared workspaces, and collaborative document editing.
• Document management − The intranet keeps company records in a central place, and organizes, and shares documents.
• Employee directory − The intranet keeps employees' information contact.
• Security − An intranet incorporates security features such as user authentication, encryption, and access controls to secure data/information and the company's strategic information.
• Scalability − Intranets are scalable to meet the changing needs of an organization.
• Low-Cost Mechanism − The intranet is a low-cost alternative for internal communication and collaboration that eliminates the need for actual meetings and printed information.
• Remote Access − Allows authenticated users to connect to the intranet remotely.

How does the Intranet Work?

The working of an Intranet depends on different components attached to its network. It works on client-server-based architecture. The below-mentioned diagram below describes its working.

Client

PC1, PC2 and up to PCn are the different users of an organisation; these can considered as employees of the company who send requests to the server.

Server

It is a kind of supercomputer which receives requests from multiple uses connected with the intranet. It processes multiple requests stores organisations' data and makes a central repository of files and documents to disseminate amongst users as and when required.

Firewall

It's a security device which protects the intranet from unauthorised users.

Internet

It's a global network which connects intranet from the global world

Types of Intranets

Some most common types of intranets are as follows −

Corporate Intranet

Generally, a Corporate Intranet is set by large organisations to provide corporate information and share its resources amongst its employees and trusted outside users. It includes company news, policies, directories, and tools for collaboration and communication.

Collaboration Intranet

The Collaboration Intranet focuses on improving teamwork and collaboration. Its salient features are shared workspaces, collaborative document editing, and project management.

Project-based Intranet

This intranet is specifically designed to work on specific projects dedicated within an organization. It includes project documentation, deadlines, task management tools, and communication channels.

Social Intranet

A social intranet is specifically designed to do social interaction and collaboration among employees. Its salient features include social networking tools, forums, chat, blogs, and wikis.

Mobile Intranet

Mobile intranet optimizes the network for mobile devices, allowing employees to access it. It facilitates users by giving mobile-friendly interfaces and applications.

Cloud-based Intranet

As its name implies; a Cloud-based Intranet hosted on cloud servers, providing scalability, accessibility, and reduced maintenance. This intranet includes SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions.

Advantages of using Intranet

Some potential benefits of using an intranet include the following −

• Effective communication − provides centralised information sharing and collaboration.
• Simplified records management − All the business information or documents are available centrally.
• Streamlined tracking of requests − A transparent system allows keeping track of requests.
• Open system − It offers an open forum to share innovative ideas to implement on a company's site.
• Encourages participation and interaction − It promotes a business culture that values employees which encourages participation and interaction.
• Enhanced data security − Intranet provides a secure platform for sharing sensitive information.