Introduction to Networks Intranet An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share information, operational systems,

or computing services within an organization. This term is used in contrast to internet, a network between organizations, and instead refers to a network within an organization. Sometimes, the term refers only to the organization's internal website. The objective is to organize each individual's desktop with minimal cost, time and effort to be more productive, cost efficient, timely, and competitive. Management work involves providing huge amounts of up-to-date information, managing employee records, processing HR transactions, and cultivating company culture all of which are naturally served by a well-functioning social intranet.

Usage of Intranet Information Dissemination The intranet is the most logical central location for companys documents. When changes happen, its easy to replace them with the most current version, thus reducing confusion. Heres a sampling of documents that can be uploaded into the intranet: policies and procedures job descriptions and compensation information benefits and entitlements leave information for employees Company-related news are also easily disseminated on the intranet. Examples include announcements about new hires, changes in policies and procedures, upcoming holidays, and job vacancies. The intranet is also the perfect place to gather and respond to employees HR -related questions. Answers are archived for the benefit of other staff members. Proper tagging and use of meta-data make answers easily searchable. By using the intranet for information dissemination, the number of inquiries to HR can be greatly reduced, freeing up HR staff for other tasks. Information Collection

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Companies can also use the intranet for faster information collection. For example, the employee database can be housed in the intranet, and employees can update their personal data as changes happen. HR transactions E-forms can be created for virtually any HR transaction. For example, vacation applications, benefit enrollments, and resource booking can all be done on the intranet. Because the intranet can be accessed on any web browser including mobile devices approvals can be done even when approving officers are out of the office. This means faster, paper-free processing. Training Everything from planning, scheduling and delivering training can be done on the intranet. Text, photos, slideshows, and videos can be embedded in a wiki on the intranet. Because the training materials are no longer in a physical format, they are available simultaneously to users (whereas previously training DVDs, for example, were limited in number and availability). The intranet also makes it easy for HR staff to monitor completion of training courses, respond to questions, and assess learning. Feedback Gathering The intranet also makes it easy for HR to gather feedback. Aside from collecting employee questions, HR can easily get staff members comments on documents and other content. Polls and surveys help HR collect employee opinions and input. By analyzing the content analysis of staff members status updates, blog posts, and intranet comments, HR can get a sense of the general mood and emotions of staff. Community Building HR can track birthdays and anniversaries, organize special events, and help employees know each other better through the intranet. Posting photos and videos of office events also helps build community and camaraderie. Performance Management Performance management processes can be completed in the intranet. For example, an e-form can be used to document key result areas for each employee. Performance tracking and appraisals can also be done on the intranet. Recruitment

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Recruitment also becomes easier with the intranet. Internal recruitment is served by announcing vacancies and accepting applications via the intranet. HR can also use the intranet to find internal talent to fill vacancies. For external recruitment, applications can be routed and scored through the intranet. The virtual meeting room can be used by recruiting panelists, especially if theyre in different locations, to discuss candidates and create a shortlist.

Extranet An extranet is an extension of an organization's intranet that is extended to users outside the organization, usually partners, vendors, and suppliers, in isolation from all other Internet users. An extranet provides access to needed services for channel partners, without granting access to an organization's entire network. An extranet could be understood as an intranet mapped onto the public Internet or some other transmission system not accessible to the general public, but managed by more than one company's administrator(s). Similarly, for smaller, geographically united organizations, "extranet" is a useful term to describe selective access to intranet systems granted to suppliers, customers, or other companies. Such access does not involve tunneling, but rather simply an authentication mechanism to a web server. In this sense, an "extranet" designates the "private part" of a website, where "registered users" can navigate, enabled by authentication mechanisms on a "login page". Like an intranet, it is web browser based, making information available on any computer without any special equipment. However, an extranet does require extensive security and may need special software to provide user authentication and to encrypt data. Extranets are used to extend your business applications to suppliers, clients, vendors, customers or other businesses. They make sharing data simpler and more cost effective. Extranets have even allowed companies to save money from an unexpected source allowing employees to telecommute. As a result, a company can save on the cost of maintaining onpremises offices and equipment for these employees. An extranet requires network security. These can include firewalls, server management, the issuance and use of digital certificates or similar means of user authentication, encryption of

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messages, and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) that tunnel through the public network.

Advantages Exchange large volumes of data using Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) Share product catalogs exclusively with trade partners Collaborate with other companies on joint development efforts Jointly develop and use training programs with other companies Provide or access services provided by one company to a group of other companies, such as an online banking application managed by one company on behalf of affiliated banks

Disadvantages Extranets can be expensive to implement and maintain within an organization (e.g., hardware, software, employee training costs), if hosted internally rather than by an application service provider. Security of extranets can be a concern when hosting valuable or proprietary information.

One of the best known extranets in the word is the UPS package tracking system. Most people dont realize that they are using an extranet to track their packages, but they are. The customer, whether business or individual, logs in to the UPS network over the internet to see where their package is and when it will be delivered. Extranets often are employed for collaborating with other companies for supply chain management, product design and development, and training efforts.

Table 1: About I/Nets Internet

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Internet is a global public network of networks that pass information from to other using common protocols. It is a network which is global and can be accessed by anyone.

Intranet An Intranet is an internalized portion of the Internet, protected from outside access, which allows an organization to provide access to information and application software to only its employees. It is network which is local to an organization and can be accessed by only employees.

Extranet An Extranet is an intranet that is available to strategic allies with limited access. It is mix of global and local network with limited and secured access and can be accessed by chosen few partners.

Significance All these networks plays major role in smooth functioning of a business.

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