An intranet site is basically an internet site that is available only within the network of a company or organization for users with appropriate network credentials (logins). Intranets can contain any information in the same way an internet site does including text, images, links to documents, dynamic content from a database, music, video, etc. Intranets can be developed in-house, by intranet development service companies, or offshore. Specialized software exists to build intranet sites making the process of creating intranets easier and less time consuming. Some of these software solutions offer free intranet design and development. Also, enterprise document management and content management systems provide the functionality to build intranet sites off the shelf.
Many people refer to intranets as an intranet portal similar to an internet portal where someone navigates to as a starting point for their online experience.