Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach:
1. Building it yourself
Advantages: Complete control of user interface design; ability to customize level of functionality for each client; integration into internal systems, and direct access to user activity.
Disadvantages: High up-front development cost; requires staff expertise in the development of intranets and extranets, 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.
2. Purchasing/installing third-party software
Advantages: Proven track-record of packaged solution; ability to choose functions and to customize user interface, more rapid implementation compared to building it yourself.
Disadvantages: High up-front purchase cost; 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.
3. Using a Service Provider (ASP)
Advantages: Proven track-record, often with expertise in the application of intranets and extranets in particular industries; low cost of entry and predictable cost over time; virtually immediate implementation; no commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, or maintenance; and upgrades at no cost by extranet experts, and savings on internal server use.
Disadvantages: Less freedom in user interface design, and fixed functionality.
In the final analysis…
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.
Internet Intranet And Extranet
Intranet
Intranet is your company's private internet. It facilitates online collaboration among employees and managers, anywhere in the world, anytime. This network uses Internet protocols and even public telecommunication systems.
Various tools and concepts used in providing Internet services are also used in building an intranet. In its earlier days there were software packages to help in building this kind of network. But now that option has given way to another new technology. This is commonly known as a web-based intranet. There are different kinds of intranet software that make interface and navigation easy, cost effective and accessible.
Extranet
An extranet is an extension of your company's internal network that allows outside users to provide and access information in a secure environment. Extranet requires extensive security and may need special software to provide user authentication and to encrypt data.
Like intranets, large companies have been using extranets for years. The need for special software, firewalls, and trained personnel put them beyond the means of smaller businesses. However, extranets can be purchased from application service providers who will host and maintain the extranet software and "rent" access at a cost substantially lower than implementing and maintaining an internal system.
Benefits Of Intranet Programming
- Save operation cost
- Personalization of employee and managers workspace
- Effective sharing of data and security
- Remote offices accessing up-to-date forms, data and files
Today, management is no longer confined inside the four-cornered walls of an office. Intranet programming makes "borderless management" possible among employees assigned in other locations, by providing them access to information and operations, on secured settings, in order to perform their specific functions, timely, accurately and with favorable net results. Intranet will certainly improve business productivity.
Benefits Of Extranet Programming
- Improve collaboration between service companies and their clients
- Exchanging billing invoices and payments through Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
- Sharing online catalogs with suppliers, vendors and customers Entering into joint ventures with other businesses
- Providing online services to customers
The most important offering that companies with extranets have for their clients is 'time savings'. Clients also enjoy the flexibility to access their service providers' past work on the archives on the particular web pages. Extranet programming ensures delivery of services in the most organized manner enhances client relationships. This, in turn, supports customer retention and saves administrative time, resulting in significant cost savings that more than compensates for the extranet.
Both Malcolm Brown & Jim Olivero are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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