Overview
An extranet is an extension of an organization's intranet that allows controlled access to authorized outsiders, such as vendors, partners, or customers. It provides a secure way to collaborate across organizational boundaries.
Key Characteristics
- Controlled Access: Requires authentication and authorization.
- Secure Communication: Often uses VPNs or encrypted web connections.
- B2B Focus: Primarily used for business-to-business interactions.
Use Cases
- Sharing inventory data with suppliers.
- Providing project updates to clients.
- Collaborating with research partners on shared documents.