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.

How extranet services can help you:

1. Thanks to extranet security, you can announce confidential company news simultaneously via your extranet to employees or business partners worldwide, in a private environment.
2. Extranet services allow your virtual workforce to brainstorm ideas and share documents in a convenient online space.
3. Build an extranet to let select customers access exclusive product and service offers

Action Steps
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.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  With extranet services, you can store and send your confidential communications within the extranet instead of sending those messages via e-mail. This reduces the likelihood that the information will be forwarded outside of your organization or accessed via an unsecured laptop.
• •  If you exchange sensitive information on your extranet, ensure that the data stays private by maintaining your extranet internally.
• •  Be careful to not let the convenience of extranet services replace face-to-face meetings. A lack of in-person contact can erode your business partners' and customers' loyalty to your company.