A tool similar to electronic data interchange, an extranet is an intranet connected to trusted customers and suppliers. Most businesses in these regions plan to have an extranet by the turn of the century.
Analysts name the extranet as a key tool for business advantage.
Implementing an extranet creates the concept of the virtual enterprise, in which all organizations in a supply chain integrate their systems and operations. Extranets promise to soar over obstacles which prevent firms from sharing such data as stock levels and production schedules with customers and suppliers. While a lack of software ensuring secure access to some data and prohibiting access to others has slowed adoption of extranets, new tools are being invented, tested and deployed. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of PBI Media, LLC is prohibited.