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Setting up an intranet or extranet can be as easy as purchasing access\r through an application service provider (ASP), purchasing and\r installing third-party software, or building an extranet or intranet\r internally.\r \r Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach:\r
\r 1. Building it yourself\r
\r Advantages: \r \r - Complete control of user interface design
\r - Ability to customize level of functionality for each client
\r - Integration into internal systems
\r - Direct access to user activity
\r Disadvantages: \r \r - High up-front development cost
\r - Requires staff expertise in the development of intranets and extranets
\r - Commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation
\r - An ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
\r \r \r 2. Purchasing/installing third-party software\r
Advantages: \r \r - Proven track-record of packaged solution
\r - Ability to choose functions and to customize user interface
\r - More rapid implementation compared to building it yourself
\r \r Disadvantages: \r \r - High up-front purchase cost
\r - Commitment of internal staff for customization and implementation
\r - Ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
\r - Extensive internal and client training
\r \r \r 3. Using a Service Provider (ASP)\r \r Advantages: \r \r - Proven track-record, often with expertise in the\r application of intranets and extranets in particular industries
\r - Low cost of entry and predictable cost over time
\r - Virtually immediate implementation
\r - No commitment of internal staff for internal and client\r support, hosting, or maintenance
\r - Upgrades at no cost by extranet\r experts
\r - Savings on internal server use
\r \r \r Disadvantages: \r \r - Less freedom in user interface design
\r - Fixed functionality
\r \r \r In the final analysisˇ\r
The approach you choose depends on how you work, the technical and\r financial resources at your disposal, and how rapidly you need to move\r forward.
Rick Mosenkis is the President and CEO of Trichys, the creators of WorkZone \r hosted intranet and \r extranet software. With customers around the world, among large and small companies, Trichys develops easy-to-use web-based software that allows non-technical business professionals to leverage the power of the Internet without IT support.
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