Setting up an intranet or extranet can be as easy as purchasing access through an application service provider (ASP), purchasing and installing third-party software, or building an extranet or intranet internally.

Here is a quick summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each approach:


1. Building it yourself

Advantages:

• Complete control of user interface design
• Ability to customize level of functionality for each client
• Integration into internal systems
• Direct access to user activity

Disadvantages:

• High up-front development cost
• Requires staff expertise in the development of intranets and extranets
• Commitment of internal staff for 6 months to a year for planning, execution, review and implementation
• An ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades

• Proven track-record of packaged solution
• Ability to choose functions and to customize user interface
• More rapid implementation compared to building it yourself

• High up-front purchase cost
• Commitment of internal staff for customization and implementation
• Ongoing commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, maintenance and upgrades
• Extensive internal and client training

• Proven track-record, often with expertise in the application of intranets and extranets in particular industries
• Low cost of entry and predictable cost over time
• Virtually immediate implementation
• No commitment of internal staff for internal and client support, hosting, or maintenance
• Upgrades at no cost by extranet experts
• Savings on internal server use

• Less freedom in user interface design
• Fixed functionality