This type of network though less well known, is fast becoming more important in the business world. By design, it's similar to the internet but established for one distinct group of users, as opposed to the world. It has security so that those outside the group don't have access to it's content. Corporate intranets are new and offer a new and exciting way of using and handling information within an organization or user group.

Intranet vs Internet

• Internet is a public access network open to the world while intranet is restricted to the user group or organization.
• Internet is built for glamour. e.g a company's web page will go with all the glamour and graphics while appearance of the intranet is simpler,more casual and built for speed.
• However both use the same type of hardware/software configuration.

• It facilitates communication and information e.g sending of memo.
• Promotes sharing of knowledge and ideas.
• Provides a single,secure and reliable access to a company's private information.
• Improves company's ability to manage it's information.
• Streamlines document distribution e.g can distribute a memo to as many recipients as possible within a very short time.

Clients: PC's connected with high speed cables if on LAN or telephone wires, fibre optic cables, microwaves or satellite if on WAN.

Server: High speed computer with a large hard disk capacity. It can also be your web server if it contains web software.