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Lesson 8VPNs, Intranets, Extranets, and XML
Objective Describe the characteristics of Intranets, Extranets and VPNs.

VPNs, Intranets, Extranets, XML

eBusiness encompasses much more than simply an Internet site. There are a number of network configurations and supporting tools and standards that can be used to electronically enable a business. We will briefly cover a few of these elements, as it is important that the architect is aware of his/her options. LANs, WANs, Intranets, Extranets, VPNs, and XML are discussed in the series of images below.

Intranets, Extranets and VPNs

1) Local Area Networks (LANS) are used by most businesses with computers.
1) Local Area Networks (LANS) are used by most businesses with computers. Essentially, a LAN is a network of computers that spans a small area in a single geographic region.

2) (WAN) Wide Area Networks are comprised of two or more computers and/or LANs connected over a wide geographic area.
2) (WAN) Wide Area Networks are comprised of two or more computers and/or LANs connected over a wide geographic area. These may be in different cities or different countries around the World. WANS can be Intra or Inter-company.

3) As the internet became more popular, the standards on which it is based became more common and accepted.
3) As the internet became more popular, the standards on which it is based became more common and accepted. An intranet uses these standards such as the TCP/IP and HTTP protocols within an organization It is a private network used only within a company for sharing information, and is not available to external users.

A VPN is a private WAN tat hs connected over public wires. A VPN uses special protocols such as MSFT PPTP
4) A VPN is a private WAN tat hs connected over public wires. A VPN uses special protocols such as MSFT PPTP (Point to Point Tunneling Protocol), Cisco Systems L2F (Layer Two Forwarding), or the combined L2TP (Layer Two Tunneling Protocol) to connect a network using the internet that is private and secure so that outsiders cannot access it. An Extranet may be implemented by using a VPN.

5) XML is became increasingly popular as a standard for Web formats on the internet.
5) XML is became increasingly popular as a standard for Web formats on the internet. XML provides standards for structuring data in a text format that allows different application and platforms to share that data. Because XML is not platform, application or manufacture specific, it is of great interest in eBusiness solutions.


This shows the Global Issues icon. The rapid advancement of technology has made much of what we take for granted today possible.
  1. What kinds of businesses including local, national and international, are vulnerable to the emerging global eBusiness environment?
  2. What kinds of businesses including local, national and international, are vulnerable to the emerging global eBusiness environment?
  3. What kinds of technology-related initiatives could these businesses take to strengthen their competitive position?

The next lesson discusses Web site design.

VPNs Intranets Extranets - Exercise

Click the Exercise link below to describe the characteristics of Intranets, Extranets, and VPNs.
VPNs Intranets Extranets - Exercise