Definition of an intranet

Though intranets are about 15 years old now, the definition of an intranet continues to vary from source to source. To ensure there are no misunderstandings and to let the reader better understand and define for themselves the meaning of intranet, here are some of the varying definitions:

An intranet, according to this author (source: Finding ROI: Measuring Intranet Investments):

An intranet is private network, similar to the Internet and using the same protocols and technology, contained within an enterprise or not-for-profit organization. Widely referred to as the home page of the internal website, the intranet also includes many inter-linked local area networks (LANs), desktop computers, websites and portals, and email system(s).

According to the American Heritage Dictionary:

A privately maintained computer network that can be accessed only by authorized persons, especially members or employees of the organization that owns it.

According to Wikipedia:

An intranet is a private computer network that uses Internet protocols, network connectivity, and possibly the public telecommunication system to securely share part of an organization’s information or operations with its employees. Sometimes the term refers only to the most visible service, the internal website.

According to Miriam-Webster:

A network operating like the World Wide Web but having access restricted to a limited group of authorized users (as employees of a company).

An effective intranet

I would suggest that none of these definitions are wrong, but some offer a little more insight or context than others and there is some debate as to whether or not, for example, certain elements such as the email system should be included.

Many, many forests could be cut-down and converted to paper for use in illustrating all of the necessities of an effective intranet. Since brevity is a necessity on the web, I’ll be brief. The major ingredients of an effective intranet include:

• Well defined governance and ownership
• A solid plan stating mission, goals and measurable outcomes
• Informed and collaborative managers
• Strong, meaningful content that is written for the browser
• An effective search engine supported by a defined taxonomy and rules for storing content
• An intuitive information architecture with multiple information paths and redundant links
• Supporting technology that meets the needs of the users instead of forcing the users to work to its deficiencies (out-of-the-boxness)

What makes your intranet effective? Comments? Questions? Please post a note below – we welcome the dialogue.

For general information on effective intranets please read:

Nexus of Intranet Success (Prescient Digital Media)

10 words to describe successful intranets (James Robertson, Step Two)

The Politics of Intranet Ownership (Prescient Digital Media)

Is Your Intranet Headed for Extinction – Part I (Prescient Digital Media)

Intranet 101 (Intranet Road Map)