I have a SES 2000 and also a Brother LB 6800. The SES 2000 sews faster than the Brother. You don't have to buy separate software for it unless you want to use your TrueType fonts, embroider a photograph, etc. It sends blocks of color to the machine one at a time but you can send the whole thing if you want to embroider in all one color. I believe all the futura's use the same software.