Extranets
Introduction

In today's connected world, SMEs are increasingly facing pressure from large companies to adopt new technologies and ways of working. Their willingness and ability to do this could, for instance, mean the difference between losing a key customer, or becoming a preferred supplier.

Traditional methods of exchanging business information electronically (EDI or Electronic Data Interchange) were costly and complex to set up and maintain, and beyond the reach of most SMEs. However, the development of Extranets could change all this, and provide even the smallest company with an efficient and cost-effective way to connect their business to their trading partners.

Extranets use Internet and Web technologies to enable companies to share information with their customers and suppliers through secure communication channels. Where an Intranet improves communication, access to business information, and collaboration, within a company, an Extranet extends that concept by providing your customers and suppliers with secure access to your information systems. This enables more effective connections and cooperation between you and your business partners, leading to closer business relationships - a significant advantage in today's competitive market.

Extranets offer large and small companies alike a valuable tool for improving communication, collaboration, and commerce, with their business partners. A recent survey by Aspect Consulting revealed that 60% of companies questioned said access to on-line information will affect their choice of supplier in the future. The use of Extranets is expected to increase amongst "savvy" SMEs that require electronic information links with their trading partners.