Extranet — it’s a term used to describe a private website where extranet services let you conduct online meetings, collaborate on reports, share information and even share software applications. When you build an extranet, you can make this secured website available to customers, suppliers, vendors or other business partners. Extranet development allows you and these associates to access shared information privately.
Extranet security is essential for both your company and the users with whom you share information. That’s why extranet design and construction often requires users to register and to log in before being allowed to access the extranet.
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Build an extranet with hosted applications
Hosted extranet services cost less and are easier to implement than applications that reside on your own server.
I recommend: Extranet development is easy with a hosting service such as
ConnectSite, whose services include security and data storage and backup. Hosted extranet applications include
WebEx WebOffice, which lets you conduct meetings on your extranet as well as share documents, create databases and more. If you already use Microsoft Office, you can use
Microsoft Office Live on your extranet to store, share and comment on documents from Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
WorkSmart.net lets you setup a Web-based workplace. Its solutions include digital workplaces for project management, human resources, sales and marketing, service and support, finance and management and a personal organizer.
Turn to extranet development pros
Turn your extranet design and construction over to developers who understand how businesses use extranets.
I recommend: Biz Net Technologies can handle your extranet development. The firm also develops extranet business applications, which they can host.
Website developer
Starkmedia handles extranet design and construction for businesses.
Mouseclicks offers extranet services, including extranet design and maintenance.
Extranet security services
When customers and business partners log on to your extranet, security is key. People assume that they're entering a private and secure website. Keep unauthorized people from accessing your extranet with measures such as firewalls, user authentication and encryption. Virtual private networks (VPN) are a more costly option.
I recommend: Learn about extranet security by talking to a network security consulting firm, such as
SystemExperts.
Verisign’s Business Authentication Service will authenticate people who attempt to access information on your extranet.
Check Point Software Technologies provides several VPN and firewall protection products.
Extranet security services
When customers and business partners log on to your extranet, security is key. People assume that they're entering a private and secure website. Keep unauthorized people from accessing your extranet with measures such as firewalls, user authentication and encryption. Virtual private networks (VPN) are a more costly option.
I recommend: Learn about extranet security by talking to a network security consulting firm, such as
SystemExperts.
Verisign’s Business Authentication Service will authenticate people who attempt to access information on your extranet.
Check Point Software Technologies provides several VPN and firewall protection products.
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