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Chapter 3 E-business infrastructure 123

Internet

Internet and extranet information

E-mail FTP
server server Firewall Web application
server

DMZ

Corporate
FTP Firewall
e-mail server
server
Web database
server
Corporate network

Intranet
server
Remote sites
Firewall
Intranet
Sensitive data

Finance

ERP
Legacy TP
Apps systems
and DB

Figure 3.6 Firewall positions within the e-business infrastructure of the B2B
company

open-access web sites. A common issue with intranets is that they may be launched to a
great fanfare, but, if their content is neglected, their usage will dwindle. Common warning
signs identified in the KM Column (2002) are:
Staff usage of the intranet is low, and not growing.
The majority of content is out-of-date, incomplete or inaccurate.
The intranet is very inconsistent in appearance, particularly across sections managed by
different groups.
Almost all information on the intranet is reference material, not news or recent updates.
Most sections of the intranet are used solely to publicize the existence of the business groups
within the organization.
To explore solutions to limited usage of intranets and extranets, complete Activity 3.3.