INTRODUCTION

An extranet is a private network similar to an intranet, but typically open to external parties, such as
business partners, suppliers, key customers, etc. The main purpose of an extranet is to allow users to
exchange data and applications, and share information. An extranet enables your business to
communicate and collaborate more effectively with selected business partners, suppliers and
customers. An extranet is a controlled private network that allows access to partners, vendors and
supplies or an authorized set of customers normally to a subset of the information accessible from an
organization intranet. An extranet is similar to a DMZ in that it provides access to needed services for
authorized parties, without granting access to an organizations entire network.

Historically, the term was occasionally also used in the sense of two organizations ions sharing their
internal network over a virtual private network (VPN).

CONCEPT

The concept of an extranet refers to a private network that extends the accessibility of an organization's
internal network to specific external parties, such as customers, suppliers, or partners. It is an extension
of the organization's intranet, which is a private network accessible only to employees or authorized
personnel. An extranet allows external entities to securely access specific resources, information, or
applications within the organization's network. It serves as a collaborative platform that enables
effective communication, data sharing, and collaboration between the organization and its external
stakeholders. There are several key features and benefits of using an extranet:

1. Controlled access: The organization has control over who can access the extranet. External parties are
given specific login credentials or access rights to ensure secure information sharing.

2. Enhanced collaboration and communication: Extranets facilitate seamless collaboration and

communication between the organization and external parties. It enables them to work together on
projects, share files, exchange information, and have real-time discussions.

3. Streamlined processes: By providing external stakeholders access to relevant resources and

information, extranets help streamline business processes. This leads to improved efficiency, reduced
costs, and faster decision-making.

4. Secure data exchange: Extranets utilize various security measures, such as firewalls, encryption, and
user authentication, to ensure the secure exchange of sensitive data and information. This includes
protecting data from unauthorized access, tampering, or data

breaches.

5. Increased customer or partner satisfaction: Extranets empower customers, suppliers, or partners with
self-service capabilities, enabling them to access information such as order status, inventory levels, or
support documents. This enhances customer or partner satisfaction by providing convenient access to
relevant information.

6. 24/7 accessibility: Extranets provide round-the-clock accessibility, allowing external parties to access
information or resources at their convenience, irrespective of geographical locations or time zones.

Common applications of extranets include online customer portals, supplier portals, partner
collaboration platforms, project management systems, or secure document sharing platforms. Overall,
extranets facilitate secure, efficient, and collaborative interactions between an organization and its
external stakeholders, enhancing business processes and relationships.

Example of extranet application and uses cases:

• Customers Service. At Kohezion, we use an extranet predominantly for customer service.

•Virtual Sales.

•Document Sales.

•Vendor Collaboration.

•Project Management.

•Contractors.

Types of extranet:

• Project extranets.

• Logistics extranets.

• Integration extranets.

• Information hubs.

• Finance extranets.

• Customer platforms.

ADVANTAGE OF EXTRANET

1.The extranet is used for sharing a huge amount of data of the organization by using EDI (Electronic
Data Interchange).

2.It is used to share product information with all the customers, vendors, supplies of the company.

3.It is also used by the company to share all the news with its partners of the company.

4.It also jointly use and develop programs for training with other organizations.

5.It is also used to share the company's data in a secure location.

6.It is also used to tracking all the projects details.

DISADVANTAGE OF EXTRANET

1. The extranet is costly and expensive to implement and maintain for any organization.

2.It's security and safety can be trouble when hosting important or branded product's information.

3. It is also complicated to implement or use for an organization at the time of commencement of

business.

4. Also, Companies have to careful when transferring information to avoid controlled given in the wrong
hands.

5. It also decreases face-to-face meetings (personal contact) with clients, customers, vendors, supplies,
business partners, etc.

6.It also affects the goodwill or image of a company in society because this could cause a lack of
connection made between the company and customers.

CONCLUSION

The extranet is in its infancy, but it is too good an idea not to happen. Without extranet, effective
electronic commerce will be limited to the financial services market and other vendors of bits. A number
of key technologies and standards must fall into place.

REFERENCES

1. Wilkinson, Paul (2005). Construction Collaboration Technologies: The Extranet Evaluation. Taylor &
Francis. ISBN 0-415-35859-0.
2. Callaghan, J. (2002), Inside Intranets & Extranets: Knowledge Management and the struggle for
Power, Palsgrave Macmillan, ISBN 0-333-98743-8.

3. Stambro, Robert and Svartbo, Erik (2002), Extranet Use in Supply Chain Management, University of
Technology.