A point of interaction (POI) is a (hardware

Hardware

Hardware is a general term for equipment such as keys, locks, hinges, latches, handles, wire, chains, plumbing supplies, tools, utensils, cutlery and machine parts. Household hardware is typically sold in hardware stores....

 and/or software) component in point of sale

Point of sale

Point of sale or checkout is the location where a transaction occurs...

 equipment (e.g. a magnetic card reader

Card reader

A card reader is a data input device that reads data from a card-shaped storage medium. Historically, paper or cardboard punched cards were used throughout the first several decades of the computer industry to store information and programs for computer system, and were read by punched card readers...

) that enables a consumer to use a card

Credit card

A credit card is a small plastic card issued to users as a system of payment. It allows its holder to buy goods and services based on the holder's promise to pay for these goods and services...

 to make a purchase at a retailer. The point of sale terminal might be attended or unattended.

The new generation of POI systems will be designed to allow devices other than credit cards to be used to make payments (e.g.
mobile phone

Mobile phone

A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...

s or PDA

Personal digital assistant

A personal digital assistant , also known as a palmtop computer, or personal data assistant, is a mobile device that functions as a personal information manager. Current PDAs often have the ability to connect to the Internet...

's), provided that the same high level of security is ensured by the equipment.