Information System

Introduction:

As far as business network infrastructure is concerned, there are three broad categories of networks, namely the Internet, Intranet, and Extranet. These networks use various network protocols (i.e. TCP/IP) and topologies to allow for communication between computers and other network devices such as printers and VOIP systems. In this article we look at the differences between them in their various applications.

Depending on the needs of an organization, a network may span a geographical divide or allow for interconnection between persons and devices within the same building. In this day and age, this interconnectivity is a matter of great importance because it facilitates the efficient running of an organization or helps it to maintain a competitive edge.

Businesses, which utilize Internet, Intranet and Extranet facilities, are gaining significant competitive advantages through the increased business value that adoption of these platforms provides.

According to O'Brien (2000 G-3) a competitive advantage occurs when a business develops a product, services, processes or capabilities that give a company a superior business position relative to its competitors and other competitive forces. The Internet can be defined as an interconnected series of computer networks, which provides global access to communication and information. Intranets are internal networks, which utilize Internet technologies to support communication, collaboration, information sharing and the support of business processes within the organization. Extranets utilize Internet and Intranet resources to link customers, suppliers and trusted partners with the enterprise in a connected way to facilitate communication and collaboration and improve business relationships.

Background:

Internet:

The Internet is a global system of interconnected computer networks that use the standard Internet Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve billions of users worldwide. It is a network of networks that consists of millions of private, public, academic, business, and government networks, of local to global scope, that are linked by a broad array of electronic, wireless and optical networking technologies. The Internet can also be defined as a worldwide interconnection of computers and computer networks that facilitate the sharing or exchange of information among users. The Internet carries a vast range of information resources and services, such as the inter-linked hypertext documents of the World Wide Web (WWW) and the infrastructure to support electronic mail.

The Internet has becomes the world's most expensive public communication system and now rivals the global telephone system in reach and range. This gigantic network of networks began in the early 1970 as a US Department of Defense network to link scientists and university