Chalem Systems Group Glossary of Important Database Terminology: Extranet

Extranet

A set of application software that uses Internet protocols and other Internet technologies to share information between organizations. For example, a company might use an Extranet to provide technical information to its customers or to place orders electronically with its vendors. An Extranet often makes use of the Internet as a communications medium, but does so using passwords, encryption, and other security techniques so that its resources are available only to the intended parties.

It is not always possible to draw sharp distinctions among Extranet, Intranet, and Internet applications. All three share a set of standards and technologies, and they often coexist on the same physical networks and computers. The distinction is primarily in the organization functions that the systems perform: Intranet applications are for communication within a single organization; Extranet applications are for communication between closely-affiliated organizations; and the Internet is for communication with a wide audience.