Vibrant MCSE BOOT Camp Notes :

Three Levels of Usage, Three Levels of Impact

In evaluating the potential use and benefits of intranets, it is helpful to consider three broad levels of functionality, each of which is discussed at length in subsequent sections of this book. Here they are, in ascending order of sophistication and potential organizational impact:

• Level One: Displaying general information
• Level Two: Sharing business data
• Level Three: Interactive communications

The inherent flexibility of intranets enables organizations to start at a relatively simple level and increase capacity as needed at their own pace. Many intranet sponsors use this medium solely to disseminate information throughout their organizations. Whether by choice or because of organizational obstacles, they don't progress beyond level one. More ambitious sponsors aim for collaboration-level three-from the start. For these organizations, levels one and two offer a means to an end rather than ends in themselves. Regardless of an organization's initial goals, or the pace at which it chooses to pursue them, it is useful to understand the full range of possibilities.

In considering each of these levels of access, the sponsoring organization can define the user group as it sees fit. In some cases, intranets function as "house organs" for employees only; in others, the user group expands to include others, such as key customers, regulators, joint venture partners, or investors.

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