Many organizations are starting to make use of the Web within "EXTRANET applications."
Extranets are invaluable in partnerships that revolve around just-in-time inventory and manufacturing philosophies.
Extranet applications of internet technology allow real-time, economical, and efficient electronic commerce and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) with the trading partners of a company.
Extranets save considerable money over the operating costs of EDI networks and VANs (Value-Added Networks) in reaching suppliers and customers.
Extranets transfer information to trading partners much faster than VANs plagued with dial-up delivery problems.