Published in mid-1996, this book accomplishes exactly what it set out to do: inform managers and other IT decisionmakers about the pros and cons of a (then) new technology. Some of the book's examples are outdated - two years is a long shelf life on the Web - but Introducing Intranets remains valuable because it emphasizes intranet business drivers over changing technology. The author, Gordon Benett, wisely based the book on the Internet standards, cost/benefit principles and human factors that continue to determine intranet success or failure.Benett sets the stage with a discussion of TCP/IP and the rise of Web protocols. Distinguishing these from proprietary client/server, groupware, and e-mail solutions, Benett defines the new technology's benefits in terms of business process improvements. Technical detail is introduced only in support of the business argument.
Benett is at his best explaining the hidden costs of supposedly inexpensive Web solutions. No one who reads this book will be surprised by the high cost of content management, network administration and security - commonplaces today, but sharp calls for 1996.
Less relevant today are chapters that CGI, HTML and HTTP; but even here I found Benett insightful. He spends time on the role of freeware and so-called "copyleft" software, which is now enjoying a resurgence with Netscape's Open Source moves. The book concludes with several case studies now interesting mainly as a history of early adopters.
I recommend Introducing Intranets to two audiences: (1) technical contributors new to web technology, not as a how-to reference but as the best overview I've seen of how technology can support business goals; and (2) IT managers and other decisionmakers looking to get their arms around a market typically driven by hype.
The only thing this book really needs is a 2nd edition.
