A locally-based point of sale (POS) solution means the POS system runs from a self-contained software program installed on one or more onsite POS terminals (PCs). The POS application does not require an always on Internet connection but Internet access would be required for credit card processing.

The cost of a POS depends on the complexity, quantity and number of users of the software and hardware, if required.

A web-based POS solution means the POS system runs from a web-browser such as Internet Explorer and could be dependent on an always on Internet connection.