intranets

An intranet is a private network that organizations use to share information and resources among employees. It leverages standard web technologies such as HTTP/HTTPS and browsers to host internal sites, portals, document repositories, and applications that are accessible only to authorized users. Intranets are typically built on the organization's local or wide area networks and may be hosted on premises or in the cloud, with access controlled through authentication and authorization mechanisms.

Purpose and core features include improving internal communication, knowledge management, collaboration, and process automation. Common components are internal portals, document management systems, enterprise search, calendars, HR self-service tools, workflow and approval systems, project management spaces, and news or announcements. Intranets often integrate with line-of-business applications, directory services, and single sign-on to streamline user experiences.

Architecture and governance involve the network and server infrastructure, content management systems, identity and access management, and security controls. Effective intranet governance covers content stewardship, lifecycle management, retention policies, and compliance with applicable regulations. Organizations may deploy centralized corporate intranets, departmental or project-specific intranets, or extranets that provide controlled access to partners or vendors.

Security and privacy considerations include role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, encryption in transit and at rest, virtual private networks for remote access, data loss prevention, auditing, and regular backups. Benefits commonly cited are faster information retrieval, consistent branding and messaging, improved onboarding, enhanced collaboration, and reduced email reliance, while risks include maintenance costs, user adoption challenges, information overload, and the need for ongoing content governance. The concept emerged in the 1990s and has evolved into modern digital workplaces combining collaboration tools with integrated enterprise systems.