Intranet vs. Extranet

Intranetnoun

(computing) A private computer network that uses the protocols of the Internet.

Intranetnoun

a restricted computer network; a private network created using World Wide Web software

Intranet

An intranet is a computer network for sharing information, collaboration tools, operational systems, and other computing services within an organization, usually to the exclusion of access by outsiders. The term is used in contrast to public networks, such as the Internet, but uses most of the same technology based on the Internet Protocol Suite.A company-wide intranet can constitute an important focal point of internal communication and collaboration, and provide a single starting point to access internal and external resources.

Extranetnoun

(computing) A private computer network that uses Internet protocols and can be accessed by authorized individuals via the Internet.

Extranet

An extranet is a controlled private network that allows access to partners, vendors and suppliers or an authorized set of customers – normally to a subset of the information accessible from an organization's intranet. An extranet is similar to a DMZ in that it provides access to needed services for authorized parties, without granting access to an organization's entire network.