An extranet is a private network that allows controlled access to partners, vendors, and suppliers outside an organisation, providing a secure space for collaboration and sharing of information. Unlike intranets, which are used internally within an organisation, extranets extend the reach of a company’s network to selected external parties.
Extranets can facilitate efficient communication between a company and its external stakeholders, streamline project management, and improve business processes through secure document sharing and real-time updates on project statuses. This can lead to improved relationships with partners and increased customer satisfaction due to more effective collaboration and communication.
One of the primary use cases for an extranet is to provide a platform for project collaboration between a company and external parties. A project extranet can serve as a centralised location for all project-related documentation, allowing for easy access and updates by both internal team members and external collaborators including clients or contractors.
When looking at extranets vs intranets, the key difference lies in the user base. An intranet is designed exclusively for use by the employees of an organisation, providing a secure environment for internal communication, document management, and operational tools. An extranet, on the other hand, extends these capabilities to authorised external users, allowing them to access specific parts of the intranet or dedicated tools necessary for collaboration.
SharePoint can be used to create an extranet. It allows organisations to set up secure, user-friendly platforms where external parties can access relevant information and collaborate on documents and projects. SharePoint’s robust security features ensure that sensitive information remains protected, while its collaborative tools enable seamless interaction between internal and external users.
In summary, an extranet is a valuable tool for extending an organisation’s network beyond its internal boundaries. SharePoint’s capabilities as a platform for creating extranets make it an ideal choice for organisations looking to enhance their external collaborations.
