The idea of intranet is used in the field of computing to refer to an internal network of an organization . This type of infrastructure is used to share data and resources within a company or institution .
To an intranet, therefore, only the members of the organization in question are connected, who are the only users with access to the information. The intranet, in this way, is private and is different from the Internet , a public network.
Generally, an intranet consists of the interconnection of several local area networks ( LAN ) that is developed from the TCP/IP protocol. Thanks to this protocol, users can access the network remotely.
An intranet facilitates teamwork: numerous workers from the same company can connect to share documents and applications, communicate and distribute publications, for example. It is common for the intranet to be protected by a firewall to prevent intruders.
Many times the intranet is used as an internal communication channel . There, managers are in a position to inform employees of all types of issues and complete bureaucratic procedures (granting permits , requesting certificates, etc.).
A company , for example, can develop an intranet with basic information for all employees and especially useful data for new workers. When someone connects to said intranet, they find the work schedules, the company regulations and the organizational chart.
In addition to the advantages mentioned, we cannot ignore the fact that if more and more companies choose to launch an intranet, it is because it offers other benefits such as the following:
-It represents a significant saving of time, since workers avoid spending a lot of time looking for data, documents or specific information, while at the same time it allows managers to avoid wasting time having to gather employees to give them specific news.
-In the same way, it is considered to promote cooperation between the members of the company and also, in its own way, contributes to developing a greater sense of team.
-No less significant is the fact that with an intranet productivity is improved. Yes, because company members do not have to waste time or effort in unnecessary searches for documents or information. With that they have it at their fingertips at any time and with a simple click.
-In this list of advantages we must add the fact that many companies even use this network to carry out training projects for their employees.
-Likewise, it must be emphasized that having an Intranet is considered to improve the image of the company in front of its employees. And they will begin to value positively that the company they work for cares about making their tasks easier and making all the resources they need available to them.
When the intention is to expand information beyond the network itself, an extranet can be used. In this case, the user must pass an authentication process to access the resources from outside.