An intranet is basically a private web based network. It uses all of
the technology of the internet but is safe and protected behind a
firewall that keeps unauthorized personnel out. Companies have been
using them for years as a method of streamlining their internal
communications.
Because a web browser can run on any type of computer, the need to
maintain multiple paper copies of documents that are constantly
changing can be eliminated. Documents like training manuals, internal
phone books, procedure manuals, benefits information, employee
handbooks, requisition forms, etc. can be maintained as electronic
documents and updated at almost no cost. The savings in paper and other
material costs can be significant
But the most powerful aspect of an intranet is its ability to display
information in the same format to every computer being used. That
allows all of the different software and databases a company uses to be
available to all employees without any special equipment or software
being installed on their systems.
This universal availability of information is sparking an era of
collaboration unlike anything ever seen before. The departmental
barriers that exist in many companies are slowing breaking down because
now colleagues can share information readily using the company
intranet.
Options for implementing an intranet
There are a variety of options for setting up an intranet. They include
building your own intranet technology, purchasing and installing
third-party software, or purchasing access through an extranet ASP.
Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each
approach:
1. Building it yourself
Advantages: Complete control of user interface design; ability to
customize level of functionality; integration into internal systems,
and direct access to user activity.
Disadvantages: High up-front development cost; requires staff expertise
in the development of extranets, commitment of internal staff for 6
months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation;
and an ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client
support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades.
2. Purchasing/installing third-party software
Advantages: Proven track-record of packaged solution; ability to choose functions and to
customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.
Disadvantages: High up-front purchase cost; commitment of internal
staff for customization and implementation; on-going commitment of
internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance
and upgrades; and extensive internal and client training
3. Using a Service Provider (ASP)
Advantages: Proven track-record of the application; low cost of entry
and predictable cost over time; virtually immediate implementation; no
commitment of internal staff for internal support, hosting, or
maintenance; and upgrades at no cost by extranet experts, and savings
on internal server use.
Disadvantages: Less freedom in user interface design, and fixed functionality.
In the final analysis…
The approach you choose depends on how you work, the technical and
financial resources at your disposal, and how rapidly you need to move
forward.
