Chapter 7 2000 by Prentice Hall. 7-1 The Internet, Intranets, and Extranets.

2000 by Prentice Hall. 7-1

Chapter 7

The Internet, Intranets,

and Extranets

2000 by Prentice Hall. 7-2

Learning Objectives

After studying this chapter, you will be able to:

Describe the Internet, including the term “information superhighway”

Identify the four types of Internet tools, including the World Wide Web

Describe an intranet Describe an extranet Discuss Internet-related ethical issues

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The Net

One of the oldest long-distance communication networks; a network of networks.

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The Internet Is an Information Superhighway

Three characteristics of the information superhighway:

It has no central controlling entity. In other words, no one individual or organization controls the superhighway.

It is fully scalable, meaning that system performance will not degrade as the number of users increase.

User’s profiles are kept anonymous.

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Why Small Businesses Are On-Line

To seek information on business products and services 80%

Use e-mail daily 65%

Use the Web daily 53%

Web sites enhance service 50%

Buy services on-line 38%

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Internet Tools

Information Retrieval Tools File transfer protocol (FTP)

– allows users to transfer files from one computer to another

Gopher– menu based interface that provides access to information residing

on Gopher sites

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Internet Tools (cont.)

Information Search Tools Archie

– searches different networked computers, retrieves relevant files, and stores them in a database

Veronica– locates files in databases on Gopher sites

WAIS (Wide Area Information Server)– search tool that accesses computers linked to the

Internet to locate specific files

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Internet Tools (cont.)

Communication Tools E-mail

– transmission of electronic messages over a network Telnet

– allows users to connect to a remote machine from their local computer

Usenet– provides users with electronic discussion groups or forums;

an electronic bulletin board Mailing Lists

– electronic discussion forum using e-mail to share information Chat Room

– electronic conference where participants chat with one another using their keyboards

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Internet Tools (cont.)

World Wide Web Internet (or Web) Browsers

– software program that allows users to interface with and browse the Internet

Web Sites– electronic description of an individual,

institution, or organization that resides on the Internet

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Key World Wide Web Terms

Term Description

Encryption A method to ensure that network exchanges are secure and reliable. In the case of data, both the sender and the receiver use a special electronic key to lock and unlock the data.

A computer that converts data transmission protocols between networks or applications that use different protocols.

A mainframe, mini, workstation, or PC that is connected to the Internet using the TCP/IP protocol.

The unique address for every computer on TCP/IP network. An IP address consists of four sets of numbers separated by periods, such as 126.201.41.8

Gateway

Host

IP Address (Internet Protocol Address)

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Key World Wide Web Terms (cont.)

Term Description

TCP/IP Stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol. All Internet computers use the TCP/IP protocol.

A dedicated, digital line that transmits data over the network at a speed of 1.544 Mbps. Telecommunication companies provide T1 lines. Because the lines are much faster than cable or twisted pair, they are widely used by Internet service providers.

An electronic address for a Web page.

A computer that provides Internet services and includes hardware, operating system, Web server software, and TCP/IP protocols.

T1 Line

URL (Universal Resource Locator)

Web Server

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Web Page Do’s and Don’ts

Keep your pages small

Keep pages graphically light so downloading times are short

A word is worth a thousand pictures

Pay close attention to the graphics; reuse the same graphic as much as possible and avoid cute animations

Achieve a sense of balance between images and text

Test your site repeatedly

Know your customer

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Intranet

A private network designed exclusively to meet the internal information needs of an organization that the general public cannot access.

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Firewall

A piece of hardware and software installed between two or more networks to ensure that only authorized users access the network.

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Intranet Strategies

Some successful intranet strategies include the following:

Include widely used applications and make them simple to use

Secure the system Integrate databases into intranet

applications Invest in excellent network capacities Motivate employees to use the intranet

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Intranet Applications

Intranets can help businesses in several ways:

Save money by eliminating paper and mailing costs

Improve communications Deliver information when and where needed Train and reeducate employees Enhance the efficiency of a business Enrich global interactions

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Extranet

A corporate password-protected network that provides information to people or entities in the environment of the business.

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Extranet Applications

Increase Business Efficiency Extranets offer speed and round-the-clock access to

valuable information Change Business Partners’ Practices

Constructing an extranet to handle an aspect of a business will force others, who want to maintain a business relationship, to use it as well

Empower Customers As well as forcing outsiders to change, extranets can

also spur change in the organization (through rapid and efficient dissemination of information and customer response)

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Extranet Strategies

Recommendations for building successful extranets include:

Understand the return on investment Select your audience and meet its

needs Be willing to change Keep things simple Be up and running 24 hours a day Work with end users

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Ethics and the Internet

Employee Activities That Company Internet Policies Should Prevent

Solicitations for money for religious or political causes

Offensive or harassing statements, including “disparagement of others based on their race, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, religious or political beliefs”

The distribution or solicitation of sexually oriented messages or images

The dissemination or printing of materials (including articles and software) in violation of copyright laws

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Guidelines for Business Internet Success

View the Internet as a Survival Tool Using the Internet is no longer an option for

companies

Plan for Security Internet, intranet, and extranet visitors will only use

sites that are safe

Devote Sufficient Resources to Handle Maintenance and Management

A Web site takes continuous work and attention to be effective

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Guidelines for Business Internet Success (cont.)

Do Not Forget the Basics The best Web sites follow five guidelines

– Information should be current and correct– Information should be easy to find– Keep graphics fresh and to a minimum– Use pleasing colors– The Web site should be operational 365 days a year

Remember That Data Are Sacred Treating customer data carelessly can create

consumer backlash