An Intranet software sometimes called an employee portal, is a secure network that uses Internet technology to connect internal company resources and communication channels. It is often used as a central repository for information and company documents. It also makes it easy for employees to collaborate with one another. Modern intranet platforms resemble consumer applications and put a premium on user experience and engagement. Regular content updates keep the site fresh and relevant to employees. Intranets can also help facilitate smaller groups within a larger organization based on areas of interest or expertise. They can also enable peer-to-peer recognition of jobs well done, which reinforces company culture.
To access an intranet, employees must have a specific network password and be connected to the company’s local area network (LAN). For remote workers, a virtual private network (VPN) or other secure connection is required. Firewall software is often part of an intranet to protect against hackers and other threats.
Companies often use Internet technology to create private intranets that are accessible to only the people inside a business. A private intranet can be used to share documents, communication channels and other business tools with employees and contractors. It can also be used to communicate with customers, suppliers and other third parties.
Some intranets are based on a specific application, such as a collaboration tool or document management system. These systems can be hosted on a server inside the corporate network or by a cloud provider. Other intranets are built on an enterprise collaboration platform that includes communication and collaboration tools, a news feed and other business tools. These types of intranets are often referred to as “employee experience applications.”
While many businesspeople understand the advantages of using an intranet, they may not have the time or skills to manage their implementation. As a result, many intranets have poor participation rates and suffer from a lack of communication, documentation and collaboration that would be possible with more active users. The good news is that social intranets and other employee experience applications offer a more cost-effective solution that can provide the same benefits as a traditional intranet.