If this is referring to the AdvancedHMI software, let me clarify this extremely incorrect statement.
The AdvancedHMI software is completely free for development and run-time distribution. This includes all fully functional drivers and absolutely no tag limits. It does not require the purchase of any hardware or additional software and can be run on any Windows PC you choose. The only stipulation to comply with the free license package is the source of software must be distributed to the end user. You cannot use the AdvancedHMI package to create proprietary closed source applications. The fully functioning AdvancedHMI software base package can be downloaded at no cost from the web site by adding to the shopping cart and going through the check out process for a zero cost purchase.
There are optional components that can be purchased to extend the toolbox of AdvancedHMI. These are referred to as Expansion Packs. The Expansion Packs are purchased as a development license with no run-time distribution fees. Once again, Expansion Packs are optional and not required to used AdvancedHMI to create fully functioning applications.
If you wish to develop a closed source application in which you do not want to give the end user the source, there currently is one of the AdvancedHMI drivers available for purchase as a stand-alone driver (as a single DLL). It is the ControlLogix/CompactLogix driver. This driver is purchased as a one time development license and no run-time fees. This driver is completely independent of the AdvancedHMI package and does not give a license to use the AdvancedHMI components in closed source applications. Nor is this driver required if you wish the use the AdvancedHMI package. This driver is the close equivalent to software such as Ingear, ASComm, Kepware, etc. The biggest difference is the cost is about 20% of most available drivers with the same capabilities. Benchmarks have been done on most of the drivers on the market and the stand-alone CLX driver from the AdvancedHMI web site has proven to be the fastest driver.
There are Windows panel PCs available for purchase from the web site, but these are not required to use the AdvancedHMI software. They are only optimized and tested with the AdvancedHMI software, but will run any Windows software without restriction. These panel PCs do ship with a pre-configured package of the AdvancedHMI software and all expansion packs. This configuration is intended to make applications operate similar to HMI hardware such as a PanelView, RedLion, or Cmore.
Sorry to make such as long winded clarification, but I see a lot of mis-information pertaining to the AdvancedHMI software costs and licensing that needed clarlfied.