# Extranet: what it is and how it works · Zorraquino
> An extranet is a private network built on internet technologies that an organisation opens in a controlled way to suppliers or customers.
URL: https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/extranet.html

# Extranet

An extranet is a private network built on internet technologies that an organisation opens in a controlled way to outside parties, such as suppliers, distributors or customers

What it means, how it is used and where it comes up, with its related concepts.

[The whole glossary](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary)

## What it is and how it works

It allows sharing documents, catalogues, orders, invoices or project status with partners, with login access and permissions by profile.

It differs from an intranet, used internally by employees, and from a public website, open to anyone. Many extranet functions are now handled by customer or supplier portals, cloud tools and shared collaborative workspaces, but the concept remains the same.

Also known as

partner portal, customer portal

Topics

[Technology and data](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/category/tecnologia-y-datos)

## Related concepts

- [Intranet](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/intranet.html)
- [Corporate website](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/corporate-website.html)
- [Cloud computing](https://www.zorraquino.com/en/dictionary/internet/cloud-computing.html)