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Today we are comparing Intranet, Internet and Extranet. Read this article to know about the key advantages they bring to businesses. On our channel, we share thoughts on recent developments in the tech industry, follow us not to miss new articles.
What is the Internet?
It is a global network with millions of computers interconnected to communicate with each other and share information. The internet works thanks to a web of networked devices that allow digital information to travel across wireless signals and data lines constantly.
What are the benefits of using the Internet?
It’s a no-brainer that the benefits the internet brings for businesses are invaluable. Among them are:
- Ability to reach unlimited markets
- Low-cost marketing
- Ease of transactions
- Access to information and
- Internal and external communication.
Drawbacks of using the Internet
- Malware and data thefts
- Impersonalization
- High competition.
What is an Intranet?
It is a private secure network used by employees for internal communication and information sharing within a company or organization. The Intranet may be accessed over one building, area or even country. It is mainly used for internal collaboration, data sharing and communication. Since this is a private network, the information sharing is more secure.
Functionality
- Staff information management
- Content management
- Staff communication and collaboration
- Projects and task management
- Learning management
- Staff self-service tools.
Benefits of using an Intranet
- Improves internal collaboration and communication
- Cost-effective and great for business management
- Involves only specific users
- Provides platform independence
- Enhances employee productivity
- More secure and you can get immediate updates whenever it’s necessary for your company.
Drawbacks of using an Intranet
- Costly implementation
- Complex to maintain
- There are still security threats you need to tackle.
What is Extranet?
It is a private secure network aimed at sharing business information with partners, suppliers, current and potential customers, vendors and other businesses. Extranet establishes a centralized channel for communication between the organizations and outside parties. As you can see, Extranet is best used in synergy with Intranet.
Functionality
- Collaboration with business partners
- Communication with customers and customer self-service.
Benefits of Extranet
- Streamlined business process management as you can automate a lot of routine business operations.
- High security of data due to advanced security measures.
- Increased customer satisfaction. Extranets make your business 24/7 accessible for your customers.
Drawbacks of Extranet
- Implementation and maintenance costs. These expenses cover hardware, software, staff training and repair costs if needed.
- Security issues. They may happen due to compromised passwords or IDs that will allow an outsider to access confidential information.
Differences of Extranet vs Intranet vs Internet
Both Intranets and Extranets provide companies with the ability to organize a collaborative digital workspace. We can compare them by size, purpose, regulation mechanisms, security, access and user training requirements as the table.
To sum it all up, if you need a platform that will improve internal communication processes, information exchange and boost the employee experience, an Intranet is the best match for you. On the contrary, if you want to foster strong relationships with business partners, customers, vendors and suppliers, investing in an Extranet platform is the right idea.
This article was prepared by the EZtek team. EZtek helps top brands worldwide to innovate and accelerate digital transformation. We provide world-class enterprise software engineering, design and technology consulting services.
