INTRANET

An intranet is an internal, secured business environment, which uses HTML and TCIP protocols like the Internet, but operates on a LAN (local area network). If the LAN provides access to the Internet, the intranet resides behind a firewall, with no gateway to, or from the Internet. Note that if a gateway exists, it is not an intranet, but an extranet.

An intranet incorporates a working, interactive custom environment to serve the business model, with familiar Internet-like functionality and navigation. An intranet can be as basic or comprehensive as need dictates. Following are some general examples of information or processes that might be available on an intranet to serve various departments.

Human Resources: From employee training materials to the employee handbook, an intranet can offer quick easy access to fundamental publications to all employees. Benefits, 401 k tracking, job applications, and an employee directory are just a few examples. A company newsletter and employee newsgroups or chat boards are other opportunities an intranet affords.

Sales Department: One of the most productive uses of an intranet is interactive multimedia training. Sales reports, forecasts and goals, marketing strategies and geographic saturation are all tools the intranet can keep available at the click of a mouse. Profiles of potential new markets or clients, and information on potential competing markets can also be helpful to sales staff in designing better sales models.

Accounting Department: Requisition requests on an intranet will save time, resources and money. Pages within an intranet can bepassword protected to limit employee access, or administratively controlled. Payroll, receivables/payables, and budget reports are all processes that can reside on the intranet.

Information Systems: Data warehousing access, departmental software development applications, and network support can be invaluable uses of an intranet. Intranet support itself with FAQs and interactive tutorials for virtually any purpose or department, allow employees to teach themselves, minimizing training investment. Security information and technical resources are also common uses of an intranet.

Executive Branch: Bottom line information like quarterly profit/loss reports, stock market analysis, tax and legal information, and merger or partnership information can all be neatly provided on an intranet. Meeting minutes, appointment calendars and key profiles (employees, companies or clients) can also reside here.

An intranet provides access to information quickly and easily in a familiar environment, while keeping this information securely off the public Internet. It also facilitates interdepartmental cooperation and saves hard and soft resources.