Michael
from what I've been told Wilcom write alot of the 'Machine Specific' software, the frontend has just been changed to Manufacturers Specs.
Barudan Punchant Software is Rebadged Wilcom. Janome Digitizer 10000 Home embroidery Software was written by Wilcom. Most software have different levels and 'Options' that can be purchased seperately. The higher the level, the more expensive. Cheap software may have the options, but the stitch quality may not be as good, and ultimately cost more in production with increased thread breaks and poor stitch registration.
With Wilcom (and I'm sure the other big ones) you can start ofF with the entry level, and upgrade later to the next level when you are comfortable. All you will pay for the upgrade will be the difference in price between the two levels. ie if you have level A and it cost you $2000, and level B costs $3000.00, for you to upgade to level B will cost $1000. There is no time frame on this either. You could upgade two years later, and it will only cost what the difference is at the time. (At least thats how it works here in Australia, and I'm sure thats how it would work elsewhere)

John