What is an intranet?

What is the actual definition of an intranet? An intranet is a private network used by enterprises,  small businesses, remote workers and franchises to share company information and resources with employees and colleagues. They can also be used to share files, collaborate on projects and create social networks within the organisation. Intranets usually require a username and password for login but can also be set up to allow external resources to join.

Intranets have evolved over the years and continue to do so as technology advances. They are now often used to provide employees with a single sign-on solution for all of their applications. 

The benefits of using an intranet

The main purpose of an intranet is to improve communication and collaboration between employees. Intranets can be used to provide employees with a central location to access all of the organisation's information and resources. They can also be used to improve communication between different departments within an organisation. 

There are many benefits to using an intranet, including:

• Improved communication and collaboration between employees
• Increased efficiency and productivity
• Centralised location for all of the organisation's information and resources
• Ability to share files, collaborate on projects, and create social networks within the organisation

Intranets also boost  employees’ sense of belonging to the organisation and improve morale, which leads to increased employee engagement and satisfaction. They can also help to reduce the cost of communication and collaboration within the organisation.

The social intranet of today

Modern intranet platforms have a very high resemblance to social media platforms such as Facebook and LinkedIn and are often referred to as social intranet software. Intranets are very effective in getting work done in a company by bringing all the employees together on a common platform. It helps reduce email traffic, promotes transparency and creates a knowledge sharing culture. The intranet of today is much more than just a network of internal pages and documents. It has emerged as a powerful tool for collaboration and communication.

The intranet for small businesses

Ziik offers a social intranet software suited for a small business -  designed to connect people and content. Our intranet solutions are easy to use, and our team can help you get set up and running quickly. Get in touch with us today to learn more about how we can help your small business stay organised.

Start a free trial or book a demo by one of our Ziik specialists!