Basics
of Computer Science - Extranet
An extranet is a sort of personalized service, which is controlled
and regulated by private network.
This personalized and controlled technology provides access only
to partners, vendors, and suppliers; sometimes, not essentially, but also to
some specific customers.
An extranet is a private network organization, which is actually
the part of respective company’s intranet and its services are extended to
users outside the company. Sometimes, it is also considered as a specialized
technique to practice business with other companies and selling products to the
customers.
In order to do business with other business partners, extranet
technology facilitates the intranet from one location to other and also
provides security to data flow.
An extranet service requires firewall server management in order
to provide security and privacy.
Features of Extranet Services
Following are the significant features of extranet services −
· Extranet
is an extended Internet service to the private business network.
· The
services extend outside the corporate firewall.
· Sometimes,
it can be referred to an Intranet, as it can be (partially) accessible to some
outsiders (with permission).
· The
technique of extranet links two (or more) business organizations who share
common business goals.
Application of Extranet
Extranet can be applied for the following services −
· It
facilitates collaborative business between two (or more) companies
· By
using this technology, a joint training program (with other company) is
conducted
· By
using electronic data interchange, large volumes of data are shared swiftly
· It
is used to share product catalogs especially
with wholesalers
· Extranet
service is also used in providing customer support
· It
is used to share business news with partner companies
Advantages of Extranet
The advantages of Extranet services
are as follows −
- It makes business
(services) swift and faster.
- It helps greatly in
improving the business communication.
- It helps in reducing the
cost (especially in terms of stationery stuff).
- It helps in improving the
efficiency and confidence of the employees.
- It reduces some big
physical barriers (especially the geographical distance).
Major Fields Using Extranet
Following are some of the major fields that are using Extranetservice on a large scale −
- Corporate houses
- Government offices
- Education centers
Intranet is more localized, as only internal employees have the accessibility. In contrast, Extranet covers a wider area, as outsiders (such as partner, vendor, or even customer) have the authorized accessibility.