Small businesses that want an intranet but don't have the funds or staff to build one can use inexpensive Web-based services that provide many of the same features. These "instant intranet" sites give
Web-Based Intranet Services Explained
Intranet services use a variety of names, including "groupware" and "teamware." Before you select a product, look at its feature set carefully; each tool offers a slightly different package of services, and it's important to determine which one will best meet your needs. Their feature sets vary, but most include group calendars, a contact manager, a document manager, quick publishing, bulletin boards, virtual conference rooms, e-mail, and online file storage. What makes these Web-based services different from standard applications is that instead of downloading a program or installing shrink-wrapped software, you access and use these tools over the Internet through any standard Web browser.