There are a number of benefits that are derived from the internet most notably the transformation of various business organizations. Through the internet enabled procurement systems, production, customer service and procurement costs can relatively be reduced as a result of stiff competition and expanded market niche. The cost can further be reduced by shifting sales and information to even lower-cost channels. The internet drastically accelerates speed-to-market by considerably reducing the time required to transmit, receive and process various business communications like shipping notifications and purchase order.
On the other hand, data communication can be defined as a transfer of digital information before it gets into the communication system. In addition, data communication requirements include a number of devices, that is, ready to communicate, a transformation medium, a set of rules and procedures for proper communication, standard data representation, transmission of bits either serial or parallel, bit synchronization using start or stop bits in case of a synchronous transmission, and in synchronous transmission of the agreed pattern. The basic elements of a communication system are namely; information, transmitter, channel and receiver.
Besides the internet, we have an Intranet which is a private network that uses the internet although it does not necessarily work through the internet rather internet technology. It can also be defined as a network built within an organization by use of the internet and the World Wide Web (WWW) requirements and software. Access is so limited to those working in the organization only. A company may opt to use an Intranet with an intention of facilitating communications among its members and deliver information to her employees. Normally there is a linkage between the intranet and the internet and hence providing an electronic connection to various business partners. The intranet is exceptionally secure and is protected by corporate firewalls information.
Most firms are continuously looking for better ways to establish a better relationship with customers. Intranets are vital to the business world and helps businesses to realize their goals, facilitates the sharing of information by reducing the operating costs, save time and resources improve customer service, and generally improve business - business relationships. Manufacturing, insurance, banking and advertising are some of the entities that make use of extranets.
Work cited
Richard Vlosky , Extranets: Impacts on Business Practices and Relationships, ISBM Report 1998. Print.
Behrouz A. Farouzan, Sophia Chung egan Data communication and Networking. pp (97-114) 2004. Print.
