Chapter 4 Intranets and Extranets
2 OBJECTIVES What is Intranet? Software Applications Architecture of software and Intranet Extranets
3 WHAT IS AN INTRANET? An organization-wide software and data system applying Internet technology to a closed network A network of application and wired machines (software + hardware) Usually runs in a client/server environment and a local area network configuration
4 WHY INTRANET: BENEFITS Links employees and managers together Automates a lot of intraorganizational traffic (e.g., reduce inter-office mail) Establishes the foundation for developing enterprise-wide systems integration (e.g., Web order + order processing + delivery)
5 SOFTWARE APPLICATIONS Human Resources –Timesheets (PeopleSoft, Oracle) –Internal/external recruiting –Company calendars
6 APPLICATIONS (Cont’d) Accounting and Finance –Expense reports –Accounts receivable/payable processing –Payroll (PeopleSoft)
7 TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE Client/Server Basis –Client/Server software architecture: client requests and server responses –As opposed to mainframe architecture: all intelligence is within the central host computer
8 TWO-TIER ARCHITECTURE DESIGN User System Interface Database Management
9 THREE-TIER ARCHITECTURE DESIGN User System Interface Database Management Process Management
10 BASIC INTRANET COMPONENTS Server and Client PCs Web Server/Browsers Electronic Mail Network File System (NFS) Internet Relay Chat (IRC)
11 TIPS Write in different color to express attitude or mood Keep sentences short Be aware of your office and organization culture Avoid flaming Don’t use to send bad news Don’t type in capital letters
12 EXTRANETS Let limited, controlled business partners interact with the firm for all kinds of exchanges Benefits: customer (partner) loyalty, increased partner interaction, and improved processes Enabled by VPN – Virtual Private Network
13 Example: VPN Client
14 Exercises What is three-tier architecture? Why is Intranet needed? What is the architecture of Intranet? What is a go-between agent? What is called an angry response to an ?
15 Summary What is Intranet? Software Applications on Intranet Technical Infrastructure (N-tie architecture) and Intranet Extranets