Intranet in business is a type of network, which aims to bring together employees and employers. By bringing people from different parts of the world, it helps them to exchange knowledge and information easily. It also allows workers to share their views on current affairs. In fact, Intranet is a technology that is growing rapidly; it has already established itself in many organizations around the world.
However, this particular technology is also known as Extranet. These networks have become popular in the past decade. They are an ideal choice for any company that wants to improve communication and collaboration with other departments within an organization. Intranets can provide access to email, shared folders and bulletin boards. Moreover, it can also help companies gain access to real-time conferencing services.
One of the major advantages of the intranet is the convenience it provides for organizations. With this network, there will be easier transfer of information and files between departments. Workers can also work on their own schedules. However, it is important to look at the intranet as a tool that should complement existing technologies, rather than being an alternative to it. If there are no changes within an organization, then using an intranet may actually lead to failure. Some of the factors that contribute to its failure include lack of training and awareness, poor planning and integration with current business processes and technologies.
On the other hand, there are several disadvantages of the intranet as well. One of these disadvantages is its geographical limitations. As intranet cannot be accessed from all parts of the world, it can be seen as not truly global in nature. This means that some employees who are situated far from the headquarters of the company may still be able to access the network. Similarly, the cost of setting up the network and maintaining it is also much higher than that of an extranet or Internet-based network.
Intranet has also been known to create internal conflicts because of the difference of knowledge and opinions. This is especially true when employees from different departments are brought together to share the common resource. Because of these factors, it is often necessary for an organization to integrate the intranet in business processes with other technologies, such as IT and web technologies. This way, the intranet can still be used as a common resource but employees and managers are more likely to collaborate and solve problems, which reduces the internal conflicts. In addition, integrating intranet in business processes improves employees’ job satisfaction, which helps build organizational productivity.
Another disadvantage of intranet in business is that it does not allow for customization. Applications can be limited when an organization adopts intranet as a standard. It is difficult, for instance, to design software that can be used on both Internet and intranet. There is also a great deal of planning involved in integrating intranet in business processes. When an organization adopts this method of technology, however, there is greater chance that the technology can be adapted for other applications, making it more useful to organizations.
Although intranet in business may be considered advantageous over the traditional network, it can have some disadvantages, as well. Employees who are new at the organization may feel overwhelmed. If not provided training on how to use the intranet, they could easily become confused and frustrated because they are not familiar with the technology. The intranet also has limited reach, since it is only accessible within the company’s walls.
Organizations should consider all of the pros and cons before adopting intranet in business. It may be advantageous in the long run, or it could prove to be a big mistake. Only their IT department can determine what kind of intranet system will work best for the organization. In this day and age, companies cannot afford to make a mistake. Technology is fast-changing and the needs of employees need to be considered.
