Our reliance on technology is increasing constantly. In fact, the other day I read an article that talked about the setting up of video conferencing facilities in a hospital so that doctors and patients can keep in touch. The rise of technology has frequently been associated with the rise of a certain robotic-ness in our attitudes to life. Are we really turning into robots in human skin thanks to the rise of technology? That is the great debate.

Yet, as the above-mentioned article suggested, perhaps technology allows us to continue to be human. In the advanced world of ours, not much should stop us from creating infallible robots to act as doctors. Despite that, we prefer to talk to our docs via video conference. That is only because we prefer the personal touch. Even if the doctor is far away, being able to speak to another human being with emotions, feelings, and some failings, is a great comfort to any patient anywhere in the world.

Let us move out of the field of medicine and into the field of business. One might say that business is a far more heartless area than that of health. However, such a statement does not take into consideration the fact that people are employed in business organizations -- people; not robots.

That is why, even today, business organizations conduct important meetings in conference rooms. Sometimes delegates and employees come from far and wide to attend the meeting. However, that is often an expensive proposition. The need to constantly cut costs may not agree with the need to fly in people from different continents. That is why it is a much better idea to go in for toll free conference calling.

A conference call is very similar to a meeting. However, it is a lot more convenient than a meeting at times. It is a very useful mode of conducting meetings especially when the persons required to be present are spread out far and wide. Airfare does not come too cheap and neither does accommodating the participants of the meeting. Toll free audio conferencing, for instance, would fall much cheaper. Moreover, with the various facilities that are offered by conference call providers, such as the star teleconferencing service, an organization can make the meeting seem extremely personal.

Previously, conference calls could only be audio. However, audio-visual conference calls are in great demand these days. Even today, when emails can resolve a wide range of issues, people continue to hanker for the personal touch. And technology is rising up to meet that demand.