Intranet platforms have been around since the dawn of the intranet. Yes, I checked!

The concept of an intranet for company use dates back to the early days of computer networking. The first instances of intranet-like systems can be traced back to the 1960s, even before the emergence of the World Wide Web, with functions like chat, messaging, forums, and email available within a confined space and group¹. However, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the term “intranet” was coined, coinciding with the rise of the internet.

One of the earliest examples of a modern intranet was created by Microsoft with SharePoint, which began as a simple place to share internal documents. The evolution of intranets has been significant since then, with modern intranets offering a wide range of features including social networking, content publishing, and community connections to enhance employee communication and collaboration

They have become indispensable tools for successful organisations looking to streamline internal communication, collaboration, and information sharing. They platforms offer a secure and centralised hub for employees to access company resources, communicate with colleagues, and stay informed about company news and updates.

To develop an effective intranet platform, organisations often rely on a variety of software tools that provide the necessary features and functionality. At TLD we created our own version using Trello, with a bit of Slack, Miro and Dropbox for business. But we’re a tiny company compared to many of our clients.

So, let’s explore some of the top software used to develop intranet platforms and discuss their key features and benefits.

Blink

A premier intranet solution, Blink caters specifically to frontline staff, offering a mobile-first design for optimal accessibility and engagement. It effectively bridges the gap between dispersed teams.

Workplace from Meta

This platform unites an entire organisation, from office to frontline, using familiar Facebook features to boost usability and foster widespread adoption. Check it out here: Workplace from Meta

Confluence

A collaborative workspace, Confluence integrates with Atlassian products, offering extensive customisation to suit varied organisational requirements. Learn more about confluence here.

SmartTask

SmartTask extends beyond typical intranet functionalities by incorporating project management tools, enhancing collaboration and task management within organisations. It’s motto “all your work in one place”.

Interact

Interact is renowned for robust content management features, providing intelligent intranet solutions with adaptable team spaces to encourage collaborative efforts. According to their website, It’s used by Indeed, Dominos, Levis and Subway.

Staffbase

 As a digital workplace communication hub, Staffbase features in-depth analytics tools, enabling organisations to gauge and enhance employee engagement levels.

Microsoft SharePoint

Microsoft SharePoint was there at the start, and is still one of the most popular intranet platform development tools, known for its robust features and integration capabilities with other Microsoft products. SharePoint allows organisations to create customised intranet sites with document management, collaboration tools, and workflow automation. It also offers social networking features, such as discussion boards and blogs, to enhance employee engagement and communication.

Jive

Jive is a comprehensive intranet platform that focuses on collaboration and communication among employees. It offers features such as social networking, document sharing, and project management tools. Jive’s intuitive interface and mobile accessibility make it easy for employees to stay connected and productive, regardless of their location.

Claromentis

Claromentis is a digital workplace solution designed to be the central hub for your organisation’s intranet. It offers a user-friendly and customisable platform that empowers even non-technical users to build and manage interactive intranets.

Claromentis goes beyond just a basic intranet by integrating features for communication, collaborative learning, task management, and knowledge sharing. This comprehensive approach fosters a dynamic digital workplace that keeps employees connected, engaged, and productive. Check out this page where Claromentis discuss the best internet program for your business.

HCL Connections

HCL Connections is another popular choice for developing intranet platforms, offering a wide range of features for social collaboration, content management, and employee engagement. With HCL Connections, organisations can create personalised intranet sites that cater to the unique needs of their workforce, fostering a sense of community and collaboration among employees.

Drupal

Drupal is an open-source content management system that can be used to create intranet platforms with customisable features and functionality. Drupal’s flexible architecture allows organisations to build intranet sites that meet their specific requirements, such as document management, collaboration tools, and user authentication. We don’t work with Drupal at TLD but we know people who do!

WordPress

WordPress is another popular choice for developing intranet platforms, thanks to its ease of use and extensive plugin ecosystem. It allows ANYTHING to be possible and it’s what we at TLD were born to create.

With specialist help like from us, you can use WordPress to create intranet sites with features such as document management, project management, and employee directories. WordPress’s user-friendly interface makes it easy for employees to access and contribute to the intranet platform, promoting collaboration and knowledge sharing.

WordPress’s flexibility extends to its scalability, making it suitable for organisations of all sizes. Its plugin ecosystem allows for the integration of additional features as the organisation’s needs evolve. Additionally, WordPress offers robust security features, ensuring that intranet sites are protected against unauthorised access and data breaches.

Overall, WordPress’s combination of ease of use, scalability, and security makes it a versatile choice for organisations looking to create a dynamic and engaging intranet platform for their employees.

What you choose depends on many factors – need, budget and business size. If you’d like to talk about this in more detail, please reach out, we’re happy to help.