Intra-Nets: open messaging technology and opportunities for user driven information spaces

The growth of privately held networks (dedicated to specific business and organizational goals) and the migration of Internet style technologies to these networks has been substantial in recent years. This situation has created unique opportunities and challenges to professionals working in this "intra-net" environment. This paper describes some of the technical foundations, unique characteristics and some early results of deploying systems in that environment. It provides an overview for some of the unique characteristics of hypermedia based client server applications on these networks, as well as an introduction to the issues and opportunities within the intra-net environment. Topics addressed include; message based services, "out of band" mail handling, security issues, collaborative opportunities and developing custom information.