Business Glossary

private network used within the company. An intranet serves the internal needs of the business entity. Intranet users are able to access the Internet, but firewalls keep outsiders from accessing confidential data. It makes use of the infrastructure and standards of the Internet and the Web. Intranets use low-cost Internet tools, are easy to install, and offer flexibility. Intranets have already been established by at least two-thirds of the Fortune 500 companies and many other organizations.

the opposite of Internet ; a network confined to a single organization (but not necessarily a single site). Intranets often include web pages, so a web browser can be used to view the content. This makes the intranet appear just the same as part of the World Wide Web; the only difference is that it is not accessible to those outside the organization. Keeping it separate from the outside world is essential if it carries confidential data, such as internal business records. Contrast extranet .

a network confined to a single organization (but not necessarily a single site); often set up as a web site , but accessible only to organization members.

private network inside an organization that conforms to the same standards as the Internet but that is only for use inside the organization. The intranet will only be accessible to those members or employees who have authorization to use it. Its web sites may look and act exactly like those found on the Internet, but they are designed so that they cannot be accessed without proper authorization. Like the Internet, an intranet is used by its members to share information.