What are hardware and software requirements to set up Intranet?

Answer 1

An intranet is an internal or restricted access network, it is very similar to the functions of the normal internet except it is used for organizations and businesses. The intranet uses the same types of web technologies that the normal Internet (or extranet) uses, except the content and data that is transmitted and received occurs internally While the idea of setting up an intranet can sound simple, depending on your organizations size it can be a daunting task. Following are the most basic steps in setting up an intranet. Please note that each organization's needs can/will be different.

Plan Your IntranetImplementing an intranet must fit your organization to be effective. Before you start constructing your intranet, make sure you know what you want to achieve with your intranet. Take the size and complexity of your organization into consideration and understand how the intranet can enhance your organizations productivity. HardwareIn order to have an intranet for your organization, you first have to build a network. This usually requires a server, web server software such as Apache or Microsoft IIS and either wifi connections and cards or Ethernet cables and a NIC. Obviously the size of the organization will determine your specific needs and many organizations will already have all the necessary hardware and server software in place. Intranet SoftwareWhile you will usually have the server software on hand, running an intranet means that individuals in your organization will access the intranet to find documents, download drivers and updates and conduct searches for information that they are searching for.

Some of the essential web features that you will want to add are:

Client management function - The client management function gives the administrator can control the intranet, such as adding users, removing users and keeping the intranet running smoothly.

Employee directory - One of the most used features of any intranet is the employee directory, many employees are always looking for contact info, whether it is a phone number, email address, fax, title and some can even include an organizational chart.

Project Management - A great time saver is the ability for many people within an organization to collaborate on a project whether it is as basic as a mission statement or as complex as a budget.

Document share - Your organization will want to make available certain information for its members when they need it. This can mean important documents such as reports or other types of documents such as health benefit materials.

Shared Calendar - A great feature to have if you work within a work group or small organization is to know others schedules so that you can collaborate or know project time lines.

Company news - One of the ways that the organization can communicate with it's members is with company news

Discussion Forums - These forums are a great way to brainstorm ideas for upcoming projects or to figure out scheduling issues.

Chat and video web conferencing - Since your intranet will have similar features as the normal Internet; you can easily incorporate chat and video web conferencing.

Implement Your IntranetNow that you have extensively thought about and planned your intranet, have purchased all the necessary hardware and software, you can go about building your intranet. Building your intranet not only means putting all the hardware and software components together so that it works efficiently, but it also means that you make available the information and tools necessary for your organization members to use the intranet effectively. In addition, you will constantly need to update and maintain your intranet and change things from time to time. While setting up an intranet can be a difficult challenge, for most organizations it has shown to give back a grea return on their investment.