What separates an intranet from an extranet?

An extranet is an extension of an intranet and is a semi-public environment that contractors or third parties can use, whereas an intranet is a private space only accessible by users with authorization. Local area network, sometimes known as LAN, is a typical intranet example. Many firms regularly use company intranets.

An extranet’s function is to provide other parties—or even customers—access to particular functionalities while limiting access for the company as a whole. Some users who can access the intranet may not have access to extranet services, depending on the extranet’s intended usage.

We’ll be concentrating on the functions and purposes of intranet software, which is still utilized by many enterprises and organizations.

The intranet

An organization that relies on digital communication between many departments will find an intranet to be of great value. Greater working flexibility is made possible by it, enabling remote workers to keep up with regular office tasks. It communicates using the same set of internet protocols as do online services.

Some businesses provide extra functionality on their intranets. These aspects can frequently persuade employees to divulge additional details about their occupations and personal life, which helps to enliven business culture. An intranet can promote member involvement by providing social media-lite features. As a result, HR or information departments manage a large number of intranets.

Additionally, intranets may be employed as a tool to influence organizational cultural change. All intranet users have the ability to communicate about significant concerns. To increase productivity and efficiency, information obtained from these online conversations will be utilised.

The most popular and practical intranet features

Intranets aren’t only a way to discuss work-related matters in private; some of them have developed into platforms that resemble social media. Data obtained from a socially enhanced intranet may be quite useful for organizations and corporations who wish to retain employees. For many firms, having a digital workplace that is both flexible and packed with additional capabilities is highly desirable. Some of the most popular and practical characteristics that an intranet can have are listed below.

Social media lite

Social media is a potent instrument with a wide range of applications. Employee involvement increases as a result of making intranet internal communications as simple as those on social media platforms. Additionally, the simplicity of communication will increase employee recognition by making workers feel as though their views are genuinely heard within the organization. Important firm news can also spread very fast using social media settings on the intranet.

Through an intranet center akin to social media, changing the culture of an organization is much simpler. Employees could regularly publish to the intranet if it is configured properly and has enough material to keep readers interested. Employee engagement may be maintained at an all-time high with the help of a corporate intranet and a full development team.

Mobility

Many intranets have mobile apps available for access. Productivity and efficiency will increase by offering this additional degree of accessibility. For remote workers, having access to corporate information from anywhere in the globe is a crucial asset. A helpful addition to any user’s communication capabilities is the usage of a private intranet.

Analytics

Using analytics and data, businesses may improve (or for the worse). Finding out which areas of the business are well-liked and which areas are disliked is considerably simpler after the necessary internal data has been harvested and gathered.

After the data has been reviewed, it may be leveraged to boost employee support for organizational changes. Knowledge management inside an organization is made simpler by the analytics received from an intranet.

Function of a search

An intranet is a must for a large business with thousands of employees. With so many user accounts, it may be essential to contact someone immediately or obtain a file that is urgently required. Finding certain information is considerably easier thanks to the search tool included into intranet software.

An intranet with numerous advantages is the ideal intranet. When it comes to current technologies, versatility is key. Potential users will find software more appealing the more adaptable it is.

Intranet advantages and downsides

Relying on an intranet has a lot of benefits and drawbacks. Strong security tools are private networks. Even a limited network, like those offered by the majority of intranets, has a purpose. In the end, it depends entirely on how a business is conducted and whether or not an intranet will increase productivity or just add another process to employees’ workdays.

Advantages of Intranet

• Ties together all workers. When employees can communicate readily with one another, a firm operates more effectively.
• Data from analytics. The information may be utilized to focus on particular areas of an organization that can benefit from change but would have gone unreported otherwise.
• Safe keeping. Sensitive file storage and private message transmission are ideal for a secure intranet. The likelihood of business misconduct is decreased by only providing authorized staff access. A hacker’s paradise is a company with easily accessible essential files.

Disadvantages of intranet

• Intranets differ from one another. An intranet’s capabilities are totally determined by the instructions given to its developers while building it. Some businesses will just use their basic intranet for file sharing. Others won’t even support mobility, forcing employees to work from a desk.
• Uncommon software updates Numerous applications receive upgrades on a regular basis. However, intranets frequently go years without an upgrade. Long periods of time might pass without any potential security problems being discovered.

Internet safety and security best practices

The security flaws that plague a lot of software also affect intranets. Secure networking and intranets are doomed by social engineering. The likelihood of one of the vast number of employees falling prey to socially engineered hacking methods is far higher than it would be at a smaller business. Without the right cybersecurity procedures, company information might still be at risk.

Fortunately, an intranet is the best resource for informing employees about potential security risks. Priority should be given to regularly educating personnel about cybersecurity best practices.

So, is the intranet still useful?

Modern intranets are vitally relevant and required for some organizations and businesses to maintain day-to-day operations. Communication and productivity are improved in a digital workplace. Depending on how many features a business adds to its intranet, it may effectively be a social networking platform with a corporate identity. The most effective intranets will have a variety of features.

Others may feel that traditional intranets are overkill and add needless hurdles to procedures. There is no need for an intranet for smaller organizations.