Six goals of computer security Extranets for sale Back to the IntraNet page

Even extranets are extremely young, it is clear that they have had a significant impact for early adopters. In research conducted for the past two years that has included over 100 companies, the following benefits have been reported to me.

Many say that their extranets have boosted their relationships with customers. It allows them to offer customized, personal service 24-hours a day at a minimal cost and with nearly no human intervention. It speeds the time and lessens the administration of invoicing in a way that was previously possible only through awkward mainframe-based EDI (which required a large volumes of transactions before becoming cost-effective). It makes purchasing from special contracts easier. It's a cheaper alternative to overnight mail and faxing for document routing, design approvals, and any number of administrative tasks.

Others say they've gained improved efficiencies with vendors. It speeds the bidding process by automating much of the details involved in routing RFP documents. It allows suppliers to gather the data on stock so that they can anticipate orders and fill them faster. It reduces vendors' costs in accounts payable, which have been passed along as savings.

Still others say that their extranet has bettered their dealings with their research and development partners, consultants and contract employees. Benefits providers are able to offer personal information to each employee about 401K plans, insurance coverage/deductibles and forms. Contract employees have gained access to software and data on the intranet that allows them to work faster (and cheaper). Virtual meetings and shared resources have quickened joint development projects.

Perhaps the most common benefit is that is levels the playing field a bit between large corporations with tons of cash to spend on technology, and smaller companies with tighter budgets. The Web is cheap to develop for (compared to proprietary systems), cheap for access, cheap to use and platform independent. All can join the party and they meet in the middle.