An Intranet Checklist

I. Introduction

All intranets share commonalities. We will develop a checklist to use in planning an intranet.

II. Common Features of Intranets

1. A LAN Using the TCP/IP Networking Protocols
2. One or More Web Servers
3. A Web Browser for each Client
4. Electronic Documents or Reports to Share
5. Electronic Mail Services

III. Optional Intranet Components

1. One or More Databases (preferred)
2. Search Engine (preferred)
3. ftp Server and Archive
4. Mailing Lists
5. Network-Aware Applications
6. Connection to the Internet
7. Connections for Teleworkers
8. Management System

IV. Navigation of Intranets

V. Sample Intranet Architectures

a) A Small TCP/IP Network at Plugged In Communications (Internet Connected)

b) A Medium-Sized Novell Network (Without an Internet Connection)

a) A Large TCP/IP Network at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (Internet Connected)

VI. An Intranet Checklist

1. Define a Network Architecture

2. Run the TCP/IP Networking Protocols on your LAN

3. Configure One or More Web Servers

4. Install A Web Browser for Each Client

5. Determine Electronic Documents or Reports to Share

6. Electronic Mail Services

7. Will you be using a search engine?

8. Will you be using an ftp server?

9. Will you be using mailing lists?

10. Will you be using more network-aware applications?

11. Will you be connecting to the Internet?

12. Will you be providing connections for teleworkers?

13. Choose a management system

14. Choose a navigation style

14. Don't forget to train the users!

VII. Summary

1. An intranet can be simplified by taking a structured, logical approach.

2. The closer you are to a TCP/IP based network, the closer you are to an intranet, and to the Internet.

3. There are two are key applications - Web servers and clients and Internet-style electronic mail.