INTERNET SOLUTIONS

It is no secret that the widespread acceptance of the Internet is radically changing the business landscape. However, we believe using Internet technologies should be a strategic decision-not a knee-jerk reaction to the competition.

In this section we have provided a few distinctions that can help you decide what level of utilization is appropriate for your company.

In the simplest sense, the "Internet" is just a collection of networks connected through a common network protocol (TCP/IP) . TCP/IP routes packets of information from one "host" to another.

If the "web server" (host) is only accessed by company employees, then this is called an Intranet. If you allow specific companies, such as clients or suppliers, access to your web server, this is called an Extranet. Lastly, if you allow the world at large to access your web server, you are now part of the global Internet.

Here is a list of Internet-based services listed in a loose hierarchy.

1. Dial-up access via a modem to a local Internet Service Provider (ISP) in order to browse the Internet and get e-mail.

2. Implement high-speed connections from your corporate LAN to an ISP. This involves installing a router, firewall and choosing a high speed connection, like T1, Frame Relay, or DSL.

3. Setting up a marketing/informational website hosted at your local ISP.

4. Setting up a website to host internal company information, like 401k data, vacation days, policies, forms, etc. on your network. Also known as an Intranet.

5. Allowing select clients and suppliers access to your web server, also known as an Extranet.

6. Setting up a true e-commerce website hosted at your local ISP. This site allows people to actually review and purchase products online.

7. Moving ISP-Hosted websites to your local LAN. This involves a much higher level of security, hardware and staff involvement.

If you need help implementing any of these solutions, just give Just Results! a call.

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