Intranet – a Private Computer Network
Simply put, an intranet application is a small internal website running within a secured business environment. Intranet is basically a network of computers in an organization that is used for sharing of data among the employees. An intranet application is also sometimes referred to as corporate portal or private business network. Depending on the requirements it needs to cater to, the intranet application can be basic in structure or exhaustive with complex interlinks and data exchanges. Stephen Lawton, a technical editor, introduced the term Intranet in 1995.
A typical intranet application works on HTML and TCP/IP, similar to internet. However, the basic difference is that the entire setup runs on LAN (Local Area Network). Intranet application development involves use of hardware with networking capabilities and software technologies that include web servers, browsers, TCP/IP, Ethernet, and WiFi systems. When the organization uses internet on the same network, the intranet application is usually configured behind a firewall through a gateway so that unauthorized access is restricted.
Intranet applications should ideally allow the employees at levels to access required information, take decisions, and perform in an effective manner. Thus, the intranet application development cycle must be carefully planned and accomplished. Following steps can be considered when designing an intranet application.
Define objectives – set the guidelines for which the intranet is being developed and will be used, and so on.
Prepare the intranet plan – chart out the structure of the intranet, hardware and software that will be used, number of users and their access rights, nature of the information available on it.
