Intranet Techniques and Technology

An introduction to the strategic concepts of an intranet

Duration: one day run on a customised basis.

Overview of intranets
What is an Intranet, and how is it different to normal networking?
Workable definitions of terms: www, http, html, css, asp, ftp etc.
How is an Intranet different from the Internet and what is an Extranet?

Intranet Sites
Discussion of example sites to decide what adds value and what is a waste of resources.
Comparing static & dynamic content: how are the newer sites better than traditional ones?
Useful web resources to find out more: sites for discussion, information, hints and tips and other information

Compatibility, Design and Layout Issues
Understanding the problems when publishing for corporate consumption: different computers, different browsers, and different user expectations
Current and up-coming standards with web browsers
What can go wrong with the look of a site, and how to work around problems
Comparing web publishing to traditional printed publishing
The limitations of web publishing and considerations for pictures on the intranet: compression and speed
Understanding plug-ins: do you need them?

Databases
Making data available over the Intranet.
Pitfalls and dangers when publishing live data
The current state of the web database market: comparing the different approaches and software
Security and confidentiality issues

The Available Software
Comparing Web page creation software: FrontPage, Dreamweaver, Homesite and the rest
Overview of other important software: image editors, animators and tools

Options for Publishing on the Web
How an intranet is set up, and the different kinds of web server
Levels of service: providing for high user access and bandwidth
How your intranet site becomes accessible: publishing to a web server
Getting colleagues to use the intranet: really useful pages and content

Technical Requirements
What sort of team is required to build and maintain an intranet?
Overview of the computer hardware and connectivity issues

The Human Factor
Maintaining a friendly face
Enabling feedback and interaction
Strategies for handling responses from people
Staying current and evolving the intranet