I have been thinking about a few things and I was wondering if it is possible to create a "mini internet" (or intranet?) that is only accessible to those on a private network, like a VPN. Basically it would have web servers, file hosts, email, etc, basically everything that is available on the net, but just meant for private use like a business or organization.
My question is, is this now standard practice for most companies? Do they have their own intranet with company resources that are only accessible from within that network? If there was a forum on the intranet, would it be possible to access it from outside the network, outside their private network (vpn)?
I know this probably sounds stupid but I don't know how things have changed in the corporate world. We had intranets, still do, but all the small companies I work for have their servers also accessible from anywhere on the net with a password.
What I want to do is set up a private network for my organization where we can setup our own email, web servers, forum, chat and not have it be able to be screen from the internet. We have members all across the country that would need access so would direct access to the gateway be best or should they enter it through a secure VPN if security is an issue.
I'm guessing this is possible if everyone accesses the resources through a secure gateway and then everything within would be considered the "private intranet".
Sorry if this sounds ridiculous, I'm running on very little sleep right now and things are getting pretty fuzzy.
My question is, is this now standard practice for most companies? Do they have their own intranet with company resources that are only accessible from within that network? If there was a forum on the intranet, would it be possible to access it from outside the network, outside their private network (vpn)?
I know this probably sounds stupid but I don't know how things have changed in the corporate world. We had intranets, still do, but all the small companies I work for have their servers also accessible from anywhere on the net with a password.
What I want to do is set up a private network for my organization where we can setup our own email, web servers, forum, chat and not have it be able to be screen from the internet. We have members all across the country that would need access so would direct access to the gateway be best or should they enter it through a secure VPN if security is an issue.
I'm guessing this is possible if everyone accesses the resources through a secure gateway and then everything within would be considered the "private intranet".
Sorry if this sounds ridiculous, I'm running on very little sleep right now and things are getting pretty fuzzy.
