Developing Intranet Applications with Java

Networks aren't the same since the Java programming language and intranets burst onto the scene. A few years ago, no one had heard of the programming language named after the pervasive liquid that energizes millions. Today, not only is the Java programming language a buzzword in the computer industry, it is fueling a period of tremendous growth and enthusiasm for networked platform-independent applications.

Intranets, like Java, seemingly sprang to life over night. The key to intranets is that they apply the best Internet technologies to the internal networks of organizations the world over. When you combine the object-oriented programming language of the future with a networked publishing solution you can only dream of until recently, you have a powerful toolkit for boosting productivity, enhancing information distribution, dramatically reducing costs, increasing efficiency, and much more.

This chapter discusses the basics of intranets. You learn what an intranet is, how intranets differ from Web sites, and why organizations build intranets. You also learn something about the Java programming language—like how Java can enhance an intranet.