Person-to-Person (P2P)
Person-to-Person (P2P) refers to direct interactions or transactions between individuals without the involvement of an intermediary.
In different contexts, P2P can have varying implications:
Telecommunications: In the context of messaging and calling, P2P refers to direct communication between two individuals. For example, a standard SMS text message or a phone call between two people is considered a P2P interaction.
Finance and Payments: P2P is also widely used in the financial sector, particularly in reference to peer-to-peer lending or payments. This involves individuals directly lending to or transferring money to each other, often facilitated by a digital platform, bypassing traditional financial institutions like banks.
File Sharing: In technology, P2P is often associated with peer-to-peer networks where digital files are shared directly between users' computers without needing a central server. This method is commonly used for sharing large files over the internet.
E-Commerce: P2P can refer to marketplaces or platforms where individuals can buy and sell products or services directly to each other, such as eBay, Craigslist, or Etsy.
In each of these contexts, the core idea of P2P is the direct interaction or transaction between individuals, harnessing technology to facilitate these connections and exchanges efficiently and often in real-time.