Basically a private web based network is called an intranet. It is safe and protected behind a firewall that keeps unauthorized personnel out and it uses all of the technology of the Internet. Companies have been using them for years as a method of streamlining their internal communications.
The need to maintain multiple paper copies of documents that are constantly changing can be eliminated because a web browser can run on any type of computer. 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
When it comes to the most powerful aspect of an intranet, it is the ability to display information in the same format to every computer being used. What this does is allow 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.
With this universal availability of information, there is an era of collaboration unlike anything ever seen before. Because colleagues can now share information readily using the company intranet, the departmental barriers that exist in many companies are slowly breaking down.
What are the options for implementing an intranet?
For setting up an intranet, there a variety of options. Aside from building your own intranet technology, this will also include 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.
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.
Cons. Staff expertise is required in the development of extranets, high up-front development cost, and also 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.
When you purchase or install third-party software Advantages. In the proven track-record or packaged solution, there is also the ability to choose functions and to customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.
Disadvantages. There are high up-front purchase cost and also 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.
When You Use a Service Provider (ASP) What are the advantages? These would include 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 as well as proven track-record of the application and low cost of entry and predictable cost over time.
What are the disadvantages? Fixed functionality and less freedom in user interface design.
In conclusion 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.
The need to maintain multiple paper copies of documents that are constantly changing can be eliminated because a web browser can run on any type of computer. 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
When it comes to the most powerful aspect of an intranet, it is the ability to display information in the same format to every computer being used. What this does is allow 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.
With this universal availability of information, there is an era of collaboration unlike anything ever seen before. Because colleagues can now share information readily using the company intranet, the departmental barriers that exist in many companies are slowly breaking down.
What are the options for implementing an intranet?
For setting up an intranet, there a variety of options. Aside from building your own intranet technology, this will also include 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.
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.
Cons. Staff expertise is required in the development of extranets, high up-front development cost, and also 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.
When you purchase or install third-party software Advantages. In the proven track-record or packaged solution, there is also the ability to choose functions and to customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.
Disadvantages. There are high up-front purchase cost and also 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.
When You Use a Service Provider (ASP) What are the advantages? These would include 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 as well as proven track-record of the application and low cost of entry and predictable cost over time.
What are the disadvantages? Fixed functionality and less freedom in user interface design.
In conclusion 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.
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