Advantages and Disadvantages of Intranet


An intranet has been designed for employees in an organization to share the resources within the network and it does not allow outside access beyond the network range specified by the company. It is a private network that is used among employees to interact with each other to access web servers, applications, databases, tools, projects, and common work-related information. This local network also provides security in terms of the authentication process for accessing the shared resources only by authorized users.

However, this does not meet the modern technologies which are effective and provides better performance for interacting in remote places, so thinking of the pros and cons of intranet an organization or user can choose what type of network is best suited to interact with employees for sharing information and which suits their business needs.

Advantages of Intranet

  • Exorbitant price − Installation of the network setup within an organization requires less cost and the administrator may take care of these likely fair expenses.

  • Access to resources − Information that is stored in the intranet can be accessed by employees wherever they are and the exchange of data can be made easy in simple steps for file uploading, downloading, accessing emails, etc.

  • Productivity − Since data are stored in the repository employees so can start working on accessing the resources as needed without wasting time searching for the files in the entire directory thereby increasing productivity from the managers to analyze and organize the information.

  • Security − Encryption methods are added to prevent unauthorized users to access the shared data within the intranet connection.

  • Dynamic Workplace − Workers from any region can collaborate from the intranet services this allows employees to access up-to-date information regarding the projects or applications during each stage of the development and deployment process.

  • Integration − Since these connections are web-based, tools from other resources can be integrated into the repository as per organization needs so this enhances optimization towards work.

  • Cross Platform − Intranet connection supports its functions to cross platforms. It can be configured to operating systems like Windows, Mac, and UNIX.

  • Encourages Team Work − Since information is shared within the network and employees in each team can work together to complete tasks within the specified deadline.

  • Advertisement − using an Intranet portal company can share magazines, new logos, accomplishments, handbooks, monthly reports, and daily news feeds that can be accessed using browsers.

  • Saves Time − Reduces conducting frequent meetings and email conversations from employees to corresponding managers or team leads to share credentials for accessing the information as needed data resources are made available on a common forum which saves time for employees and top-level experts.

  • Managing documents − Update information is stored in a central drive so employees can handle and access the data needed without searching for physical files on the personal drive. Recent search options are stored in the drive for easier access during the next search.

Disadvantages of Intranet

  • Overload in Information − Lots of information is stored in a single place this may not be user-friendly and search engines should be more effective to provide relevant results as per search query.

  • Installation − Initial setup takes more time and training sessions are needed for the users based on the working steps of the intranet platform designed new employees find it tough without providing proper hands to understand the workflow for communicating with other team members.

  • Security − Although some security features are enabled with encryption standards, requires high-end firewalls to be installed to protect the company’s and employees’ confidential data against third-party access or hackers.

  • Lacks direct contact − All the needed information is stored in computer devices, and face-to-face interaction among workers is reduced and this may lead to incorporation in the workplace.

  • Frequent Update − The intranet network always needs to be checked and updated. When the server at one end updates the software or any changes are made to the common intranet site, it may slow down the speed of other computers that acts as clients. During this upgradation time, employees can’t perform their tasks on time.

  • User Friendly − Most of the users do not find the services and ways to access the data as not that user-friendly like other social media application portals.

  • Internal Use − Content stored in the intranet can be shared only within the network and employees are not allowed to share it with any external sources this feature decreases marketing strategies.

Conclusion

The intranet provides its functions’ using a corporate web server and this server is connected to other client machines that are arranged on a local area network. This facility within an organization increases employee communication, interaction on new innovative projects, and sharing presentations and all this would increase the productivity of the company thereby keeping employees engaged in the growth of them and the company.

Updated on: 04-May-2023

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