Like it or not, automated communications services are the new way of the business world. True, automation won't replace the many applications where real people are an absolute necessity in a communications link. But as a result of cost factors alone, most of the new elements of communication are designed to bypass real people whenever possible. Cost, efficiency, and now diverse features in automation are the logical reasons. This will open the door of opportunity for highly specialized operator services that will bear little resemblance to the answering service of today.
Good people cost good money.
The services supplied by real people won't come cheap. As with the phone companies, connections to a real person will be charged at a premium. I foresee the operator relationship in the new service bureau being more of an assistant to a business with greater personal contact and responsibility. An entrepreneur could build a business around such a resource who could supply in depth support via computer and through all aspects of personal contact on behalf of the clients being represented. Even entrepreneurs in a home-based business environment could explore this opportunity.