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Blog

Cloud based intranet software: What is it? Who uses it and what are the benefits?

Last updated: April 30, 2026

Calculating…
Table of contents
  • 1. What is cloud based intranet software?
  • 2. How cloud based intranets work
  • 3. Key features of cloud based intranet software
  • 4. Benefits of cloud based intranet software
  • 5. Cloud based intranet software for frontline teams
  • 6. How to choose cloud based intranet software
  • 7. Best cloud based intranet software in 2026
  • 8. Why Oak Engage for cloud based intranet software
  • 9. FAQs

Not all intranets live in a cupboard anymore.

For organisations with frontline and desk based employees, this solves a critical problem. Messages are no longer limited to email or office access. Communication reaches everyone, in real time.

Cloud based intranet software are secure, centrally hosted platforms that help organisations communicate, connect, and share information across their workforce. They enables employees to access updates, tools, and resources from anywhere, on any device, without relying on office networks or internal servers.

For organisations with frontline and desk based employees, this solves a critical problem. Messages are no longer limited to email or office access. Communication reaches everyone, in real time.

What is cloud based intranet software?

Think intranet. But accessible from anywhere. An internal communications platform hosted online that allows organisations to deliver communication, manage content, and provide access to systems through a single digital environment.

In simple terms, it acts as the central hub for employee experience.

It is designed to:

  • Centralise company information in one place
  • Deliver targeted internal communications
  • Provide access to tools, documents, and systems
  • Connect employees across locations and roles
  • Enable mobile access without requiring email

Unlike traditional intranets, cloud based platforms are not tied to internal infrastructure. They are continuously updated, scalable, and accessible from anywhere.

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How cloud based intranets work

Cloud based intranet software is hosted on remote servers and accessed through a web browser or mobile app. Employees log in securely, often using existing systems like Microsoft 365.

Once inside, they see personalised content, updates, and tools relevant to their role.

Modern intranets go beyond document storage. They act as an experience layer that connects systems and delivers information in a way employees actually engage with.

Core components include:

  • Secure cloud hosting with enterprise level protection
  • Mobile apps for frontline access
  • Integration with HR systems, Microsoft 365, and operational tools
  • AI driven personalisation of content and communication

 

  • Real time analytics and reporting

Key features of cloud based intranet software

To be effective, cloud based intranet software needs to go beyond basic information sharing.

The most important features include:

Mobile access for frontline employees
Employees without desk access can receive updates, view content, and stay connected through a mobile app.

Targeted communication
Messages are delivered based on role, location, or department, increasing relevance and reducing noise.

AI personalisation
Content is curated via AI and automatically based on user behaviour and needs.

Integrations with existing systems
Connects with Microsoft 365, HR platforms, payroll, and business tools.

Content management
Centralised publishing of news, policies, and updates.

Employee engagement tools
Social features, recognition, and feedback tools to drive interaction.

Analytics and reporting
Clear insight into what is seen, clicked, and ignored.

Benefits of cloud based intranet software

Benefit What it means in practice Business impact
Reach every employee Communication is accessible on mobile and desktop, including frontline workers without email Higher visibility of updates and fewer missed messages
Reduce reliance on email Targeted delivery replaces mass emails and inbox overload Less noise, better engagement with relevant content
Improve employee engagement Employees can interact with content through comments, recognition, and feedback Stronger alignment and participation across teams
Access from anywhere Employees can log in from any device without VPN or office network dependency Supports remote, hybrid, and frontline workforces
Faster deployment Cloud platforms can be implemented quickly without complex infrastructure Faster time to value and reduced project risk
Lower IT overhead No need for internal servers, maintenance, or manual updates Reduced IT workload and operational costs
Real time updates Content can be published and updated instantly across the organisation Faster communication and better responsiveness
Data driven decisions Built in analytics show what content is seen, clicked, and ignored Clear insight into communication effectiveness
Scalable as you grow Easily add users, locations, and features without rebuilding systems Supports business growth without disruption
Single source of truth Centralises communication, tools, and information in one place Reduces fragmentation and improves consistency

Cloud based intranet software for frontline teams

Traditional intranets fail because they rely on email and desktop access.

Cloud based intranet software is built differently.

For frontline teams, this means:

  • No need for a company email address
  • Mobile first access to communication
  • Push notifications for urgent updates
  • Content targeted by role, shift, or location
  • Access through QR codes or shared devices

This ensures communication is not just sent, but actually received.

How to choose cloud based intranet software

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Choosing the right platform requires input from IT, HR, and internal communications.

Key things to look for:

Ease of deployment
Can it be implemented quickly without heavy resource?

Mobile experience
Is it built for frontline use, not adapted later?

Integration capability
Does it connect to Microsoft 365 and existing systems?

Targeting and personalisation
Can you control who sees what?

Analytics
Can you measure engagement and reach?

Security
Does it meet enterprise compliance standards?

Best cloud based intranet software in 2026

Several platforms lead the cloud based intranet software category, each with different strengths depending on organisational needs, workforce structure, and technical requirements.

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1. Oak Engage

Oak Engage is a cloud based intranet platform designed to deliver targeted communication, engagement, and system access across desk based and frontline employees.

  • Mobile first access for frontline employees without email
  • AI driven personalisation through Smart Delivery and Aria
  • Deep integration with Microsoft 365 and HR systems
  • Built to act as a single source of truth across tools and communication

Best for: Organisations needing to reach frontline and desk based employees with measurable, targeted communication.

Press

2. LumApps

LumApps is a cloud based intranet platform focused on employee experience and deep integration with productivity suites like Google Workspace and Microsoft 365.

  • Strong integration with Google Workspace and Microsoft 365
  • Structured content management and knowledge sharing
  • Multi language support for global organisations
  • Personalised employee experiences based on role and location

Best for: Enterprises heavily invested in Google Workspace or Microsoft ecosystems.

What

3. Workvivo

Workvivo is a cloud based intranet and employee engagement platform built around social interaction, culture, and internal communication.

  • Social media style interface to drive engagement and adoption
  • Strong employee recognition and feedback features
  • Campaign focused communication tools
  • Designed to improve culture and employee connection

Best for: Organisations prioritising employee engagement, culture, and internal community.

Best

4. Staffbase

Staffbase is a cloud based internal communications platform focused on delivering company news, updates, and campaigns across mobile and desktop.

  • Strong mobile app for frontline communication
  • Campaign management and publishing tools
  • Internal communications analytics and reporting
  • Designed primarily for comms teams

Best for: Organisations focused on improving internal communications and campaign delivery.

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5. Simpplr

Simpplr is a cloud based intranet platform focused on usability, content management, and employee experience.

  • Clean and intuitive user interface
  • Strong content governance and publishing workflows
  • Easy to manage and maintain without heavy IT involvement
  • Personalised content delivery

Best for: Organisations prioritising simplicity and content management efficiency.

6. Unily

Unily is a cloud based enterprise intranet platform offering deep customisation, integrations, and scalability for large organisations.

  • Advanced customisation and configuration options
  • Strong Microsoft 365 integration
  • Built for complex, global enterprise environments
  • واسعة integration capabilities across systems

Best for: Large enterprises requiring a highly customised and scalable intranet solution.

Why Oak Engage for cloud based intranet software

Oak Engage is designed as the communication and engagement layer that sits on top of existing systems.

The human centred, desk based and mobile frontline intranet people actually use.

Desk based and mobile frontline access
Reach every employee, regardless of device or location.

AI personalisation with Smart Delivery and Aria
Deliver the right message to the right people at the right time, with intelligent search.

Simplicity and fast deployment
Launch quickly without complex setup.

Deep Microsoft 365 and HRIS integration
Create a single source of truth across systems.

FAQs

What is cloud based intranet software?
Cloud based intranet software is a platform hosted online that enables organisations to communicate, share information, and provide access to tools through a central system.

Is SharePoint a cloud based intranet?
SharePoint provides infrastructure, but often needs an additional layer to deliver communication and engagement effectively.

What is the difference between an intranet and an employee app?
An intranet is the platform, while an employee app is the mobile access point to that platform.

How much does cloud based intranet software cost?
Most platforms operate on a subscription model, with pricing based on users and features.

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