The Missing Piece to a Company's Information Technology Puzzle

Abstract
An extranet is a private network that uses Internet technology and the public telecommunication system to securely share part of a business's information or daily operation procedures.   More specifically, an extranet is an intranet that is partially exposed to customers under strict security.   Extranets can be considered as password-protected areas on the Internet. Extranet applications are typically run on or accessed by an Internet Protocol (IP) network either using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) or the Internet.   The distinct advantages of an extranet would include direct collaboration on projects, customer self-service call centers, encouragement of loyalty between businesses, streamlined business processes between suppliers and customers, and cost effective Extranet applications.

Contents
Abstract 2
Contents 3
Purpose of the Report 5
Background of Topic 5
Internet 5
Intranet 5
Extranet 7
Extranet Security 8
Discussion Area 8
Collaboration 9
Discussion of Current Issues 9
Exchange Information 9
Current Business Model 10
Company Security 10

Contents
Recommendations for Managers of IT 11
Information-Sharing 11
Information-sharing applications 12
Decision Making 12
Cost 13
Summary 13
Reference page 14

The Missing Piece to a Company's Information Technology Puzzle
Purpose of the Report
The purpose of this report is to provide the strategic implications of an Extranet on my company's business model over the next three years.   It is understood that the present business model utilizes an Intranet system.
Background of the Topic
When discussing Web-based technologies, we need to consider three distinct variations: the Internet, the Intranet and the Extranet.
Internet
The Internet is a public, global network of networks which is based on Internet Protocol (IP) and related... [continues]

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