Using the Internet as a means of conducting business within companies is to take a huge leap. Over 60% of BP staff and external partners are to use the public Internet as their corporate network.

By the end of the year over 10,000 staff will be on the scheme. New business practices and a cut in IT and support costs are expected.

Nearly 384 extranets are expected to be simplified by the move.

Security is to be provided by SSL technology, as used by the banks. The technology is seen as superior to the IPsec security protocol.

Applications to be accessed include the corporate email, human resources and some Intranet sites.

Sensitive business critical applications such as SAP may be added later.