When employees work from home, at another location or on the road, an intranet helps them stay in touch with colleagues and keep up with company news. An intranet is a private network that uses Web software and networking protocols to access information hosted on computer systems in many locations. A firewall protects a private intranet, as does a content management system that controls who can access what and how.
Intranets can be used for a variety of purposes, including communication, collaboration, knowledge sharing and project planning. They also provide a central repository for documents, videos and other files. Some are also designed to support a particular line of business or industry, for example, a law firm’s intranet might feature case studies and other resources on specific practice areas.
Employees who need to share ideas or work with others across the globe can connect via an intranet using a virtual private network (VPN). An intranet can also connect with other networks, such as a wide area network or the Internet.
Traditionally, an intranet is a centralized hub for communication and collaboration between departments. It allows workers to communicate in real time and can include tools for video conferencing. It can also host document storage and share information about the organization’s mission, values and culture. An intranet can include a wiki and other collaborative tools to facilitate projects.
Modern intranet platforms are often modeled after consumer applications and designed to be engaging, with features that encourage participation and boost productivity. They can incorporate other team collaboration tools like email and instant messaging to streamline communications. They may also host enterprise application integrations that let users access various lines of business software from a single application.
However, an intranet can only be successful if enough employees participate. A low participation rate can create a sense of distrust or lead to an ineffective and inefficient internal communication platform. Other challenges include the potential for mental health issues, such as burnout or social media addiction, as well as the spread of misinformation and polarization within a community.