1. G063 - Intranets, the Internet and Extranet

2. Learning Objectives: At the end of this topic you should be able to: describe the characteristics and purpose of: –intranets, –the Internet, –extranets

3. Intranet Characteristics: a private computer network –specific to a particular company –holds data specific to that company uses Internet standards and Internet protocols –links and files are presented in a web-page format, –using a hyperlink-based interface usually provided via company LAN –run from local server –requires User ID & password for access no external access –unless via secure VLAN (extranet)

4. Purpose of an Intranet to share information within the organisation to enable members of the organisation to communicate & collaborate effectively: –internal email, –internal web pages –internal chat –internal videoconferencing. –electronic diary increases productivity –fast access to company data

5. Uses of an Intranet email –sending messages to other employees file transfer –sharing files web pages –sharing information chat –immediate response from fellow employee

6. Example: Intranets in Schools can store teaching resources –worksheets, video clips. can store useful websites from the Internet students access resources outside of lesson times can facilitate interactive learning –SAM learning can store details of student progress teachers can share resources control access to suitable resources course information/timetables are available use of bulletin boards / message boards e-mail teachers

7. The Internet Characteristics: infrastructure used to connect computers across the globe –using telecommunications systems telephone lines, leased lines, mobile ‘phones & satellites aka: the Information Super Highway (ISH) content is available to all the Internet has become: –a vast database of information and knowledge, –a market place for companies, –a medium of entertainment, –a medium for communication.

8. Internet Purpose: web browsing - World Wide Web (WWW) web searching e-mail file transfer & downloads - ftp, music, video, software e-commerce - shopping, banking newsgroups, bulletin boards, support forums Instant Messaging (IM) video conferencing – Skype, Google Talk telephony – VoIP (Voice over IP) e.g. Skype social networking - weblogs, personal web pages …. streaming media - radio and TV

9. Extranets Characteristics: part of a company's intranet that is extended to users outside the company –usually via the Internet –employee on the move connected to intranet via mobile ‘phone log on using User ID & password –from Internet-connected computer –usually via secure webpage Purpose: give employees access to company services remotely –and securely? – possibility of hacking/viruses promotes teleworking